how to make career night a successful event
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HOW TO MAKE CAREER NIGHT A SUCCESSFUL EVENT. Center for Career Development, 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 - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
HOW TO MAKE CAREER NIGHT A SUCCESSFUL
EVENT
Center for Career Development,
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.