Fall Career & Internship Expo

CSU Ballroom
Thursday, November 3, 2011
9:30am - 2:30pm

We encourage ALL students to view the list of registered organizations. For a detailed list including organization descriptions and open positions, view the [PDF] Career & Internship Expo Book (646 KiB) Update your profile in Mavjobs.com because your name tag will print based on that information at the event! Be sure to edit your year in school and major!

Students - why should you attend?

 There are several benefits to attending the Fall 2011 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.
• Increase your chances of interviewing with an employer.
• Receive useful job search advice from seasoned company recruiters.
• Start or further develop your network of contacts!
• Bring your Campus Special coupon to enter the drawing for a MSU Hockey Jersey!
  

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 link 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 during the academic year.

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 uploaded.

The Day of the Expo

Dress professionally

• It is ALWAYS better to be overdressed than underdressed
• Looking professional supports your claim that you are ready to BE a professional!
• 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). Employers made many comments last year about students being underdressed… In a VERY tight economy, you need to do everything you can to make a positive first impression!
• 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.
• There will be a FREE coat/bag check so you will not have to drag your coats or back packs through the Expo.

Have MANY copies of your resume (20-40).

Be aware of your behavior.

• Smile
• Have a firm handshake
• Make eye contact
• Positive attitude
• ENERGY!!!!
• Approach employers independently – do not walk around with your friends

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?

Research the organizations you are interested in! Log in to your mavjobs account to see the list of registered employers, or download the list here.