HOW TO MAKE CAREER NIGHT A SUCCESSFUL EVENT
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Transcript of HOW TO MAKE CAREER NIGHT A SUCCESSFUL EVENT
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.