Fall Foliage Means Fall Career Fairs!

This has been a busy week for the VBSR Internship Program! We have traveled to three schools for three different styles of career fairs in two days. On Wednesday, I went South to Castleton State College for their Fall Career and Graduate Studies fair. It was a great day to drive through Vermont and see the remainder of the foliage.  At Castleton I met some great students and interesting exhibitors, and also happened to be set up next to the college that is located in my home town! 

Yesterday I attended the St. Michael's Serve, Work and Learn Expo and the University of Vermont Internship Hop. Each drew a unique group of students, the students at St. Michael's were more interested in volunteer work and the ones at UVM were starting to think of targeted internships they would like. Each of these events were in a different format from casual to formal, but here are some tips for how to be successful at any type of career fair:

• Dress Professionally: now this doesn't always mean a suit and tie, or heels and a nice dress, it can mean nice jeans and a classy top, you just have to present yourself well. Don't wear an overly short skirt or dress or extremely high heels- if you wonder if it is too short or inappropriate, it probably is. Consider taking the extra minute to put on a crisp button down instead of a plain t-shirt, this can help dress jeans up while still keeping things casual. Make sure your clothes are clean, and free of stains or odors. Use basic rules of hygiene.  If you know ahead of time what employers or organizations you are interested in talking with, research their company culture, and dress to their culture. 

• Be Engaged! Don't just walk up to the table, grab some free schwag and walk off. The employer you really want to talk to might see this behavior and wonder if you are there just for the free stuff or if you are really interested. Make eye contact, say hello as you walk by booths, and even if you have to fake it try not look as if you are suffering by being there! Career fairs should be a fun opportunity to informally meet employers, network with your peers, and get a feel for what is going on! 

Most importantly- be friendly, be direct, and network! Even if an employer doesn't have an opportunity right now, you never know who they could refer you to or how you could end up interacting with them in the future...and if you see me at a career fair, come over and say hi!