This article was written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FSU chapter.
The FSU Seminole Futures Career & Internship Fair is fast approaching, taking place at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center on Sept. 26. The fair runs from 9 a.m. to noon, with an hour-long break afterward. The fair will continue from 1 to 4 p.m.
There will be recruiters from over 120 companies with internships and job openings. I think it’s really important for everyone to participate, whether you’re a freshman or an upperclassman. It can be a little scary, but here are some tips and tricks I use to get through this event.
register
Register for the job fair! The registration page provides an overview of the companies that will be attending so you can make a list of all the employers that might interest you. There will be a lot of different events at the job fair, so it’s important to have some kind of planning in place so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Print your resume
Have multiple people check your resume to make sure it’s perfect to give to a recruiter. The FSU Career Center can also check it for free. They offer online and in-person advice. Attach your resume to the registration form, as some companies may send messages to interested students.
I usually print my resume on resume paper. It’s a little thicker than regular paper and makes my resume look more professional. You can buy it at Target, Amazon, or wherever you sell office supplies. I usually bring at least 20 copies to the job fair.
Dress to impress
It’s rude to come to school in casual clothes! I always make sure to take the time to change into formal attire.
Recruiters will pay attention to how you dress, so it’s important to dress professionally. I dress business casual or business professional. A nice pair of slacks with the right top and shoes will do the trick.
Use LinkedIn
There are many uses for social media these days, but LinkedIn is great for business, and if you don’t have an account we recommend creating one.
LinkedIn is a digital resume and networking platform, so ask recruiters for their LinkedIn to make connections that last longer than just the internship fair.
Speak Up
Don’t be afraid to talk to recruiters – they’re there to meet you, even if it’s something you’re not particularly interested in – drop in to hear their stories, work experience and advice.
If you meet people you connected with, send them a thank you after the fair via LinkedIn or their email address. Don’t forget to thank them for their time and let them know it was a pleasure meeting you. Many recruiters return year after year, so staying connected is very important.
The FSU Seminole Futures Career & Internship Fair is a great opportunity to get involved early and share your interests. It may seem difficult at first glance, but I tell myself that by taking advantage of the networking opportunities that FSU offers, I can kick-start my professional career. I will definitely be there and look forward to meeting you all.
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