HOW TO MAKE CAREER NIGHT A SUCCESSFUL EVENT

HOW TO MAKE CAREER NIGHT A SUCCESSFUL EVENT The Department of Career Services, University of Connecticut GOALS OF THIS PRESENTATION • To help you develop realistic expectations of Career Night • To provide you with information about the purpose of Career Night • To help you prepare, perform, and follow through on your event experience to maximize the benefits WHAT IS CAREER NIGHT? • An event … ○ that provides a forum for student and employer interaction; ○ where the basic purpose is to share information; ○ where students can practice networking and relationship building. WHY DO EMPLOYERS ATTEND? • To advertise their organization and increase visibility with students/university • To identify potential job prospects • To express interest in students and graduates of UConn • To provide career and general information about their organization WHY DO STUDENTS ATTEND? • To learn more about career opportunities in general • To network with employers and make contacts with organizations • To collect employer information • To make a good first impression PRIOR TO CAREER NIGHT: Preparing for maximum effect – key points • Clarify Your Career Goals • Research Organizations • Develop well constructed questions for the employer • Choosing your Wardrobe PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR: Preparing for maximum effect • Clarify your career goals ○ Understand why you are attending ○ Career Night ○ Understand what you want to accomplish ○ Clarify your personal goals – what are you hoping to gain by attending PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR: Preparing for maximum effect • Research organizations that you have targeted ○ Visit the College of Agriculture’s website to see who is attending the fair ○ Visit the organization’s website ○ Investigate issues, trends, and the outlook of professions/industries that are of interest to you PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR: Preparing for maximum effect • Prepare a list of questions to ask employers ○ Creative and challenging questions ○ Demonstrate knowledge of your chosen career field ○ Within reason, you may ask questions at this event that you cannot in an interview PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR: Preparing for maximum effect • What to wear… ○ Business Casual is recommended ○ Should be conservative and fit properly ○ The focus should be on you, not on what you wear ○ Your attire should be appropriate for all employers ○ Bring something to manage your papers (portfolio, briefcase) ○ Do not overuse cologne or perfume AT CAREER NIGHT • Employers want to share information on what their company does as well as gather information on students • Your interaction with company representatives should be highly professional at all times • May keep you in mind for referrals or positions not yet advertised • “Don’t burn bridges” DURING CAREER NIGHT • Presentation skills: Be aware of your verbal communication ○ Speak clearly and concisely ○ Provide brief, targeted answers to questions ○ Be honest ○ Provide complete and articulate responses ○ Show interest, energy, enthusiasm ○ Demonstrate that you prepared for the event by having intelligent responses DURING CAREER NIGHT • Presentation skills: Non-verbal communication ○ Dress professionally - “look the part” ○ Have good eye contact ○ Offer a firm handshake ○ Demonstrate poise and composure ○ Avoid distracting mannerisms DURING CAREER NIGHT • Interpersonal skills ○ Employers will be measuring your ability to interact at a professional level ○ Knowledge of yourself, the organization, and the industry will allow you to have an intelligent, balanced conversation ○ Your preparation will manifest itself in a confident, self-assured presentation, which, in the mind of the employer will equal strong interpersonal skills TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS: ○ A carefully crafted and professional presentation will ensure that you make a positive and lasting impression ○ Follow-up is important to distinguish yourself from other students and to maintain contact with employers – through well written thank-you notes following the event FOLLOW UP – AFTER CAREER NIGHT  Determine the best way to follow up with the employer  Get a business card  Send a brief note (or email) to the representative that you met at Career Night QUESTIONS ??? • See a professional career consultant at Career Services if you have questions - career consulting is available on a walk-in basis don’t hesitate to visit the office in CUE 217 if you have any questions • The Staff at Career Services wish you the best in your major/career exploration and job search efforts.