Career fairs not only provide employment opportunities, but also provide a network for career exploration and professional development. The BIG Fair is coming up soon and is comprised of a career, a graduate school, and a volunteer and community engagement fair. Here are three reasons why you should consider attending or participating:
1. Networking opportunities
A typical job application includes a targeted cover letter and resume, but this limits you to three pages to express yourself and personality. In this process, your application is only one amongst a stack of many. In addition to an outstanding cover letter and resume, attending a career fair is another step you can take to improve your chances of getting an interview. At career fairs, you will get the opportunity to meet face-to-face with a representative of the company that has a vital role in their company’s hiring process. This will allow the employers to learn more about you and establish a personal connection to supplement your resume and cover letter. Make a lasting impression on the employers that you speak with by dressing appropriately and showing interest by asking questions. For more information, read the Do’s and Don’ts for the BIG Fair. Take advantage of these events to help you gain some industry contacts and a competitive edge over applicants who were not able to meet the employer.
In addition to networking with employers, you can learn more about graduate studies and engagement opportunities. Networking is also valuable in establishing the necessary contacts that can help answer any more of your questions about the opportunities they are offering.
2. Career exploration
There may be an occupation that you had not considered, were not aware of, or received misleading information. The BIG Fair is a great way to learn about different industries, workplace environments, and career options. This event is your chance to start thinking about what you want to do after graduation. It may mean learning about the different occupations within your respective industry or deciding what industry you would like to enter. Also, you may want to think about how you can get involved in your community to gain the necessary skills for your career or perhaps you are interested in inquiring about graduate studies. All of these resources will be available at the BIG Fair!
3. Variety of exhibitors
In a normal, everyday setting, speaking to multiple companies would involve several hours or days of back-and-forth communication. At the BIG Fair, you can easily move from table to table to meet many exhibitors. There will be approximately 125 exhibitors over the course of four days. The best part is that it’s free to attend!
So prepare yourself in advance by researching the exhibitors attending and making a list of priority organizations, their types of opportunities and their fair locations to maximize your time at the fair.
Now that I’ve convinced you to attend the BIG Fair, here are some tips that will help you prepare for the event: Preparing for Career Fairs and Employer Information Sessions. Good luck and hope to see you there!
