Tag Archives: career fairs

Unleashing the Beast that is Networking…Dun Dun Dunnn

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Over fall break, I had the great pleasure of going on a networking trip. I had a wonderfully enlightening learning experience as I got to speak to individuals in various fields including finance, income management, sales and customer service, a tech start up company, banking, and more. It was such a fantastic experience!

It was my first time on an official networking trip and that definitely got my blood pumping, but this time in an exhilarating ‘I’m taking charge of my future’ kind of way! But for those of you who are tad unfamiliar with what networking really is or have the adverse reaction of blood pumping in an ‘I’m scared to death’ way, let me explain my experiences and hopefully assuage your thoughts.

So networking….you hear about it, you know at one point you’re going do it, and yet… the anxiousness and sweaty palms are still there. I mean it’s simple, right?  You create personal and business relations with other people in a career field you are most likely interested in, right? I mean, all you do is ask questions, take their cards, make eye contact, connect with them on LinkedIn, send a thank you email afterwards, and you’re done! Ta-da internship found! Well, not so much, but that doesn’t mean that the experience wasn’t one of the best preparations for your life beyond college, because it most definitely felt that way for me.

Although networking with different companies or individuals is a lot like I described above, achieving the art of networking can transform your life, get that wonderful job you always hoped for and maybe just maybe make your dreams come true (might as well throw in the pony that you always wanted, but really… they are so adorable!) 

cute-pony

Just irresistible! Photo via Warnies

But networking is more than another LinkedIn connection, it is about the REAL connection. Do not be just another name in the pile of students, be memorable! Go out of your way to talk to different people, be curious, proactive, open, and interested. You have to give your full effort and people will most often than not be extremely receptive to you. To stand out, you should do a lot of research on them/their company prior to meeting with them, and comment on something unique in their past. Have a similar interest or commonality with them? Bring it up as a conversation starter! Most importantly, do not be afraid or nervous, that shows lack of confidence. Be proud, engage, and get to know the person on a deeper level than their resume. You may be surprised what the end result is!

And once you leave the event, keep in contact with them.  Ask them follow up questions, thank them for the time they spent with you, and if you feel comfortable, keep them up to date with your life and work. It is great to expand your network, but try to create quality relationships with people that you can reach out to in the future or seek advice from or just keep up to date on their great careers!

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Think of all the possibilities! Photo via York University

Networking allows us to practice so many useful skills: learn more about different professions, socialize professionally, build relationships, ask intelligent questions, engaging with people from different career fields, and perhaps talk with your future mentors and or employers! You never know, you could hit it off and land a great new learning opportunity!

Have a career fair coming up? Wanna practice how you’re going to approach the situation? Not sure what questions to ask? Not sure what to wear? Ask questions below!

Now go practice networking in the mirror!

Toodles,

Isabella

What Not To Do At A Career Fair

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I went to my first career fair last fall. It was the Harvey Mudd Career Fair and I was READY. I attended every Career-Fair-Prep that CP&R offered. I researched at least twenty companies I wanted to talk to. I wrote three sentences about each of them and then I alphabetized that list so I’d be able to find each name quickly. So when I say that I was ready, I’m not kidding.

Yet, somehow, it didn’t go so well. But… at least it was a learning experience? I hate when people tell me that, but it’s annoyingly true here.

So today I’m going to tell you what I’m not going to do at the Harvey Mudd Career Fair this semester, and how I’m going to do differently. I hope you learn from my mistakes:

I’m not going to get super overwhelmed and lost.

I was told so many times about how career fairs can be overwhelming, but I guess I didn’t totally believe it. But it is. There are a lot of booths, with a lot of colors and banners and sometimes there are balloons. Everything is really close together and there are a lot of people. I’m going to take the map they give me, circle the booths I want to go to, and make sure I know how to orient myself according to the map AND IM GOING TO DO THIS BEFORE I GO INTO THE ROOM AND GET OVERWHELMED.

I’m not going to apologize for being there.

I started with the same spiel at every booth, “Yes, my name tag is correct. I am a psych major at Scripps but I’m still interested in working at *insert company name here.* … No, I don’t know how to code, but I’m interested in working in Human Resources. I know that’s not necessarily what you’re here looking for but if you could take my resume anyway…?” I’d ask as I trailed off awkwardly. It wasn’t a confidence-inspiring introduction. I’m going to proudly introduce myself and explain why I’m there. They won’t wonder why I don’t do computer science if I don’t give them a reason to.

I’m not going to be too embarrassed or awkward to ask for business cards.

I don’t like networking, but I’m starting to realize why it’s important. It’s one thing to apply for a job and just be a resume in a pile, but if I get a connection then I can be a person, and, with a business card, I have their email so I can remind them of that! Even though I still think it’s kind of awkward, I know it will be worth it. I’m going to say, “It’s been great talking to you and learning about *insert company name here* but I don’t want to take up too much of your time. Could I have your business card so I can follow up about opportunities with *insert company name here*?”

 

And then a few other bits of wisdom I’d like to pass on:

  • The food isn’t for you. Don’t go sit in that area just to the left of the sign-in table. (I didn’t eat the food, but I did sit there, and it was awkward.)
  • When planning your outfit, remember it’s going to be hot in there. Put on a little extra deodorant that morning… Nerves + tons of people in one room = sweat. You’ll be glad you did.
  • Get at least some swag, but not too much! Bring a bag, or go to a table that’s giving bags, to carry everything. I got my favorite pen at the last career fair, and a really sexy water bottle.

    Who knew water bottles could be sexy?!

If you have any career fair horror stories or advice, post them in the comments below so someone else isn’t writing a “What Not To Do” post again next semester!