Career Fairs

Careers for the Common Good Fair

What is the purpose of this event

The overall purpose of this event is to bring together organizations that will help undergraduate students who are thinking about working and/or going to graduate school in the Human Services’ field by providing them with information and job, internship or volunteer opportunities. Students will have a chance to network and find out what types of opportunities might be available following graduation.

What types of Organizations will be at the event

• Peer Education Programs will be on hand to discuss opportunities right here on campus. These organizations offer you the chance to gain valuable skills and experiences while at the same time allowing you to help your peers have a more successful and fulfilling life at UConn.
• Community Service and Non-Profit organizations will be attending. Many of these organizations will have full-time opportunities to discuss with graduating seniors. There will also be volunteer and internship positions available with many organizations.

Who should attend this event

• First year and second year students who are interested in learning about Human Services. You may be undecided on your major and want to find out what you can do in the "helping profession." You will also want to attend if you are interested in learning about what types of volunteer opportunities and peer education involvement are available to you now and/or next fall.
• Juniors should attend if you are planning to work or go to graduate school in any Human Services’ field and are looking for an internship or volunteer work. Also, if you are thinking about graduate school following UConn, it is never too early to start collecting information on the graduate school application process.
• Seniors who are looking for full-time jobs after graduation and/or are thinking about graduate school in the future.

What to wear

Since you are looking to make a good first impression it is important to think about what your clothes say about you. It is recommended that your attire for this event be somewhere between business casual to business formal. You don’t have to wear a suit, but look the best you can with what you have in your wardrobe.

What do I need to do before the event?

• Research organizations to learn more about those who will be at the fair and to determine which companies you might want to talk to. In a survey done during last year’s event, employers repeatedly listed that one of the most common mistakes students make during a job search or when talking to them is "students did not know anything or knew very little about my company." You don’t need to learn everything about an organization but should find enough information to ask good questions. The type of information you will be looking for might include the nature of the work that is done, populations served, programs offered, etc.
• If you are looking for an internship or full-time job, bring a resume! You will be able to leave this document with a potential employer who will take it back to his/her organization to review and possibly pass along to others who might be hiring. If you have not written a resume, pick up a copy of the Job Search Preparation Guide and come in during walk in hours.
• There will be many employers at the Fair. There will be opportunities for ALL majors. Don’t come up short and run out of resumes! Review the online listing or the Program, and decide how many you need, and bring 10 more than that.
• It's best to be prepared. Attend a "Navigating the Career Fair" workshop hosted by a local employer. At this 50 minute session, the employer and a Career Services Staff member will share the elements of success. Find out what employers expect, and how you can make the best impression.
  
  

  Date	Time	Location
  February 23, 2009	4pm-5pm	CUE 134 Presented by All Pointe Care, LL.C.

  
  

  At the 50 minute "Navigating a Career Fair" sessions, employers and Career Services staff will share the elements of success at the Fair. Find out what employers expect, and how you can make the best impression.

  There is also an online version of these workshops available. Click here to access.

What if I am only going to collect information and not look for a job?

If you are not looking for a job, you should still do research so you know which organizational representatives you would like to spend time with. This will allow you to target certain companies and will save you some time, especially if you are going between classes. In this case a resume is not required, but watch what you wear because you are making a first impression!

What if I only have an hour (or less) between classes?

This is another reason why researching the organization so important. If you know which companies you want to target first and second, you can prioritize your time at the event and seek out your top choices first.

What if I am looking for Peer Education Programs?

Come and join the fun. There will be signs and people to direct you to where you want to go. However, since you are there, feel free to stop and chat with outside community organizations as well!

What if I get overwhelmed or have questions when I get to the fair?

Don’t worry, there will be a Career Services booth where students and staff will be available to answer your questions, point you in the right direction and help you feel more comfortable. Don’t be afraid to visit the Career Services booth and let us help you make the most of this event!

Strategies

We can assist you after the event, and in planning your job exploration or job search strategy. Come to our office during walk in hours, as noted on our homepage. The schedule is reduced during breaks please call 486-3013 for updated hours.