Going to a Career Fair is a lot like going to the mall; if you do not map out your route then you waste a lot of time wandering aimlessly.  For example, would you walk into a Pottery Barn if you’re searching for a breathtaking Friday night outfit?   No, you wouldn’t.  The same concept applies to the Career Fair.  If an organization is looking for interns with a strong interest in biology, and let’s say bio isn’t your forte, then don’t make that organization a top priority.  Doing your research beforehand and knowing which employers you want to talk to allows you to be efficient and get the most out of your Career Fair experience. 

Tips to Prep

-          Research organizations attending the fair and see which ones match your interests

-          Prioritize the organizations

·         Organizations you LOVE that you can’t leave the fair without talking to

·         Organizations that maybe aren’t hiring now for what you’re looking for but you still want to learn more about them

·         Organizations that if you have extra time you could stop by to network

-          Spruce up that resume & make several copies!  Make a few specific resumes for the companies you have strong interest in and fit well with.

-          Dress to impress!  Make sure you have an appropriate attire prepared

-          Write up general questions so you are ready for any conversation

And if you don’t want to take my word for it, we asked employers attending the fair to give students their best advice.  After seeing the responses, there were a few tips that seemed to be reoccurring…

-          Research organizations that you have a strong interest in!  This will allow you to highlight your strengths in relation to the company and the positions they are recruiting for.  It will also show the employer that you are very interested and informed on the position. 

-          Dress appropriately to make the best first impression

-          Be confident with eye contact and a firm handshake; don’t be afraid to talk about your strengths

-          Be yourself and be personable

Just remember, a recruiting manager might meet a hundred people at a Career Fair so be sure to do everything you can to make yourself STAND OUT! 

Visit the CDO website for more details about the Career Fair and to view the list of employers attending.

Best of luck!  I know you’ll do great,

Bridget Tully

Career Development Office Intern

Don’t you wish you had an insider on the world of work?  Lucky for you that is exactly what Xavier’s Mentor Program offers!  Having a mentor is essentially having a personal expert available to assist your every professional and personal endeavor.   A mentor is just one more way to gain guidance and insight that will prepare you for the real world that we are all so terrified of! 

Senior entrepreneurial studies and English major, Robyn Campbell, shares her experience with the Mentor Program and tells us how it helped her.

The mentorship program is a must-have. I met my incredible mentor, Bill Woods, during my sophomore year. He’s helped me grow academically, professionally, and even personally. As a sophomore, I knew I loved writing and business, but was unsure how to combine the two. Bill encouraged me to pick up a major/minor that incorporated both of my passions, and we discussed the best courses for me to take. He also sent me articles that demonstrated how I could combine my love of Entrepreneurship with my love of writing. On a personal level, we discussed shared hobbies, family stories, vacation plans, and current life events.  He even gave me advice about dating! All in all, I learned a lot from him. I am honored to have him as a mentor, and would highly recommend the mentorship program to anyone who needs academic, professional, or personal guidance.

-Robyn Campbell, Guest Blogger
Majors:  Entrepreneurial Studies & English

The Mentor Program is designed to assist students in developing their character, academic and professional skills and social responsibilities.  Freshmen be sure to keep this program in mind when you head into your second year at Xavier!

The program is not just designed for business majors, I was matched with my mentor as a junior communication studies major.  With a hectic schedule I thought I would never have the time for a mentor; but creating a mentor relationship was one of the smartest decisions I have ever made.  My mentor has helped me immensely with my professional efforts; whether it be by giving suggestions for interview attire, helping me to strengthen my resume, or providing me with helpful tips to make myself marketable.  I have met with my mentor in person with my favorite Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino in hand and I have sent my mentor rushed e-mails with a quick advice question.  Whatever it may be, the Mentor Program is an easy process that will provide you with several advantages!  I would highly recommend the Xavier Mentor Program to anyone and everyone striving for professional success!

To participate in the Xavier Mentor Program, attend one of the Information Sessions  in Smith Hall 137.

Until next time Muskies,

Bridget Tully

Career Development Office Intern