2008 Fall Career & Internship Expo
Sponsored by the Minnesota State University, Mankato
Career Development Center
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 – Business
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - Science, Engineering & Technology and
Nursing and Health-related Professions
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
MSU Centennial Student Union Ballroom
NEW Format for 2008!
The demand for attendance by employers was so high for the 2007 event we have decided to expand the event to 2 days for 2008! Although each day is organized around certain career fields, we encourage ALL students to view the list of registered employers to see which day(s) they are attending, and which day, or days, may be a fit for you!
Students - why should you attend?
There are several benefits to attending the Fall 2008 Career & Internship Expo. You can:
- Explore positions and career fields you could purse with your major.
- Meet representatives from organizations for whom you are interested in working.
- Get more information about specific companies and organizations.
- Gain interview experience.
- Increase your chances of interviewing with an employer.
- Receive useful job search advice from seasoned company recruiters.
- Develop your network of contacts!
How to prepare:
If you are attending the Fall Career & Internship Expo you should prepare as you would for an interview. Be prepared; click the links below to find out what to do in preparation for the expo.
CDC Quick Stop: Stop by the CDC for a 10 minute session on career & job search questions, resume help, interview tips and more. Quick Stop is held in the CDC, WA209, Monday-Friday, 11:30am-2:30pm.
Job Search Boot Camp: Whip your job search skills into shape! Whether you are planning to attend an upcoming job fair, or you are just getting started on your resume, these training sessions are available to all students to prepare you for deployment into the workforce. Job Search Boot Camp is September 30-October 3, 2008. Session details and registration through mavjobs.com will be available in Fall 2008.
Before the Expo
Have 30 Second “sales pitch” prepared include the following:
- Name
- Major
- Classification/Expected graduation date
- Career interest
- Past work experience
Be prepared for questions the employers may ask of you.
- Tell me about yourself?
- Why do you think you will be successful in this field?
- Why are you interested in our organization?
- What do you hope to gain from an internship with our organization?
Have a list of questions to ask the employers.
- What characteristics does a successful employee have at your company?
- What are some of the typical duties an intern would have?
- What is the next step in the hiring process?
View online resources about interviewing in the Job Search Handbook
Update your mavjobs.com account and be sure your most updated resume is loaded.
The Day of the Expo
Dress professionally
- It is ALWAYS better to be overdressed than underdressed
- Wearing a suit is appropriate, and by many employers, expected. NO casual wear (i.e. jeans, tennis shoes, flip flops, shorts, hats, tank tops, t-shirts, back packs).
- Men – if you do not own a suit, dress pants and a shirt and tie are acceptable. Khakis and a polo shirt are the minimum!
- Women – if you do not own a suit, dress pants or a skirt with a blazer is encouraged, but a button down blouse or sweater can be worn
- Make sure hair is well groomed and neat.
- Remove any piercings and cover visible tattoos.
Have MANY copies of your resume (20-40).
Be aware of your behavior.
- Smile
- Have a firm handshake
- Make eye contact
- Positive attitude
- ENERGY!!!!
Have a plan of action - Who do you want to see and why?
Keep your options open - Limiting yourself to certain employers may lead to missing out on excellent opportunities.
Additional items to bring:
- Pad of paper to make notes on employers.
- Printed copies of your research
- A folder, portfolio, or briefcase to carry your items
5 Things to take away from the Career and Internship Expo
- Business cards from the recruiters you have met.
- Notes about contacts you made.
- Information about organization
- A better sense of your career options
- Self-confidence in interacting with employer representatives
After the Expo
Send thank you notes to each employer representative with whom you conversed and would like to follow-up with.
Write to any prospective employers you are still interested in.
Debrief yourself
- Analyze what you learned from this experience.
- What did you do well?
- What would you do differently?
