Career Fairs

Internship/Co-op Fair

Who Can Attend?

The Internship/Co-op Fair is an opportunity for UConn students who are seeking internships or cooperative education opportunities. Whether exploring the world of work and learning about employment opportunities, to finding internships or cooperative education positions, the fair benefits all participants.

Preparing For the Fair

It's best to be prepared. Attending a "Navigating the Career Fair" workshop hosted by a local employer. At this 50 minute session, the employer will share the elements of success. Find out what employers expect, and how you can make the best impression.

At the 50 minute "Navigating a Career Fair" sessions, employers 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 to Wear?

A first impression is a lasting impression! Dress for success. If you have a suit, wear it. Suit wearers look good, and employers will take you seriously if you take this opportunity seriously. If a business suit is not part of your wardrobe yet, look the best you can. Stop by Career Services and pick up the 'Dress for Success' brochure for tips and suggestions to your wardrobe. The fair is the first step in the job search and interview process.

What do I Bring

RESUMES!!! Not only will you need to make a good personal impression, but you will need to leave with the employer some documentation about your skills and background. A resume is the one item the employer can take back to the office and review. Remember, the employer will talk to many candidates and will need your resume to review and follow up with you.

How Many Resumes?

There will be over 50 employers at the Internship/Co-op Fair. Some are seeking specific majors and others are open to a variety of majors and skills you will bring to their companies. 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.

I Don't Have A Resume

Not to worry. Pick up a copy of the Job Search Preparation Guide, offered through Career Services, at our office. Resume instruction, guidelines and examples are provided. Once you have created a draft, have your resume critiqued by a Career Services Staff member prior to the Internship/Co-op Fair. Resume critiquing hours are posted on our website home page or you can call us at 486-3013.

What Happens at The Career Fair

This event is a busy, hectic three hours. Plan your day by knowing where your "targeted" employers are located. Make an effort to see these employers first, and then move on to other companies that interest you. A floor plan will be provided when you arrive at the fair, indicating where each employer is located. Last year, approximately 650 students and alumni attended. That's a lot of people, so it's best to arrive early and use your time wisely. Some employers will have lines of students waiting to talk to them. If you arrive late, you might miss an opportunity. Be patient, and make the best of the few minutes you will have with each employer. Interviews will not be conducted at the Internship/Co-op Fair. You will have a few minutes to meet the recruiter, gather information, and share information about yourself. You need to "sell" yourself and your skills to the employer, and make the best of the short time available.

Do I Need To Do Research On Each Employer?

Though it is probably impossible to research each employer attending the fair, you must research those businesses you are considering. Choose the ones you are most interested in, and learn about what the company does. You don't have to memorize quarterly financial statements, but you need to have a general idea of the company's purpose, what the products and services are, and how you are a match for this company. The more you know, the more seriously you are taken as a candidate for the company.

What Do I Say To The Employer?

Know yourself! Be able to articulate the contributions you can make to an organization. If in doubt about your skills, pick up a copy of our Job Search Preparation Guide, available through Career Services. Exude enthusiasm! Employers want enthusiastic employees. You only have a few minutes. Be able to say what you need to say in 60 seconds, and go from there. Don't just ask "what jobs are available," rather, focus on the contributions you can make. Employers want to know "what you can do for them," not, "what you want or what they can do for you." Jobs are not filled because a desk is available; they are filled by those that can add value to that organization. Figure out what your value is. Don't know? See a career consultant for assistance during walk-in hours.

After The Career Fair

Follow up with the employers you met. Get their names and business cards. Send a note thanking the recruiter for the time you spent talking about their job opportunities. Remind him/her of your conversation, and the things you can do for the company. Let them know you are interested in pursuing employment prospects with their organization. Some employers will be coming to campus for interviews. Some will not. Follow up and attempt to create opportunities. Don't sit back and wait for the phone to ring or an email to appear. Take initiative! Be assertive! Act. Need help with follow-up? See a career consultant for assistance during walk-in hours.

Strategies

We can assist you after the fair, and in planning your job exploration or job search strategy. Stop by Career Services in CUE 217 during regular semester walk in hours, as note on our homepage. A career consultant will be able to discuss your next steps with you.