What Risks are YOU Taking for Your Career?

One of my favorite quotes comes from Eleanor Roosevelt, who stated “do one thing every day that scares you.” We receive a lot of messages, whether they be internal or external, that tell us there’s something to be afraid of. We might make a mistake. We might say the wrong thing. We might be too young, too old… we don’t have enough experience. Whatever the situation may be, we could always find a reason why it would be safer to stay within our comfort zone. However, without courage there is less potential for reward.

Sure, job fairs are scary. Networking events can be awkward and uncomfortable. Being scrutinized by a group of people during an interview?! Forget about it! Yet all of these situations will be necessary for career advancement at some point in our career trajectory. Now is as good of time as any to start getting in the habit of taking these types of risks.

With graduation approaching, there are a lot of ways in which students can put themselves out there in order to get noticed in their desired industry.

The Elevator Speech Competition starts on Friday, March 20^th. This is a great opportunity to practice your elevator speech if this is something that still seems scary to you. The competition also provides the opportunity for finalists to practice their pitch in front of employers: this is a really great way to make connections and create a lasting first impression. There is also potential to win some cash, if the argument to participate wasn’t convincing enough already.

Within our upcoming “Life After UT” series, there are plenty of additional opportunities to learn about how to stand out when you’re ready to challenge yourself to get in front of employers. On Tuesday, April 7^th we have a “Personal Branding and Innovative Job Search” workshop and the week after that we have an “Interviewing Success!” workshop on April 14^th. Consider attending both of these informative presentations if you haven’t already signed up.

Finally, we have an alumni panel and networking event on April 21^st. This is yet another great opportunity to practice your elevator speech and networking skills and increase your comfort level in marketing yourself as a professional.

You can register for any of these events through your HIRE-UT profile: https://spartanweb.ut.edu/ICS/Campus_Life/Career_Services/Hire_UT.jnz

Graduation is quickly approaching: what are you most afraid? What risks can you take in order to propel your life as a professional?

 

Melena Postolowski, MA, NCC

Assistant Director of Internship Programs

Office of Career Services, The University of Tampa

Internship Fair Prep 101

Experience is vital when applying for post-graduate positions. However, getting your foot in the door can be easier said than done these days. While competition remains heavy in a world enthralled with tech savvy young adults with high ambitions, how can students ensure they gain the proper experience necessary to get hired?

 Internship fairs are a great chance for students to not only get the chance to gain experience, but also to network and practice “selling themselves” to employers. Preparation is key here. With The University of Tampa’s Internship Fair coming up on February 2^nd, students should keep the following tips in mind prior to attending.

1.      Suit Up

To ensure that you look the part, prepare your outfit in advance – this includes ironing and any dry cleaning that may be necessary. Refer to the following infographic if you are struggling with determining if your attire is appropriate or not:

 

2.      Do Your Research

Prior to attending the fair, know what firms will be there and further research the ones that interest you.  Once you have found the ones that interest you, rank them. This will come in handy when trying to navigate the crowded room packed with equally as eager students as yourself. Also, don’t be afraid to visit some of the tables that are not on your list – be open minded. Lastly, employees appreciate it when candidates are knowledgeable about the company, so keeping some facts handy before you approach them can be helpful.

3.      Know How You Want to Sell Yourself

Internship fairs are not interviews, but merely a couple of minutes to make an impression – good or bad. You aren’t given a whole lot of time to make a first impression, however you are given time to prepare one. Before attending the fair make a list of 4 or 5 key points from your resume/prior experience that can serve as talking points when you meet employers and are met with the question, “Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?”

4.      Be Ready to Network

Work the room. Whether you are talking to employers or just fellow students, be friendly and approachable. If you have business cards – bring them. If not, it’s okay, but do make sure you have plenty of copies of your resume and that they are stored in a protective folder so that they are presented to employers in a polished manner. If you need help with your resume stop by our office in RIVC 116 and someone will be happy to help you.

 

5.      Google Yourself

Last, but not least, google yourself before attending the fair. Ask yourself if the persona that is portrayed in the results is someone you want a future employer to see. Always be mindful of what you are doing/posting on the internet because employers DO look at your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. when considering you for a position.

With these tips in mind you will surely be prepared for the upcoming spring 2015 Internship Fair, Monday February 2nd from 1-3:30p.m. in Fletcher Lounge, Plant Hall.

 

For a list of companies log into your HIRE-UT account now:  www.ut.edu/hireut .

 

We can’t wait to see you there and hear about the experiences you gain from attending! Use the hashtag #utampainternshipfair2015 to document your time at the fair!

 

Warm Regards,

 

Eliza K. Majka

Marketing Intern, Office of Career Services

The University of Tampa

Why Should YOU Attend a Career Fair?

Career Fairs remain a common practice at universities, yet some students meet such events with apprehension year after year. In anticipation of our upcoming Professional Job Fair, here are some thoughts on why students, at any level, should consider attending:

Career Fairs are an important first step for first year students!
·        Learn about companies to assist you in major selection and ultimate career choice.
·        Gain exposure to recruiters to build relationships and understand the career search process in a no-stress environment.
·        Experience the event. Take the time to walk around and observe your peers and the conversations around you. This will help to prepare you for this event in the future!

Calling all Sophomores! Get involved by attending the Professional Job Fair:
·        Learn about companies that you may want to work or intern for in the future.
·        Practice speaking professionally with employers in a no-stress environment. It's just practice but it could build your network and lead to a great career conversation in the future.
·        Prepare for the career fair and research the companies. Take the time to know who will be attending and challenge yourself to connect with the companies after the fair.

Juniors, Practice makes perfect! Attend the Professional Job Fair to gain a competitive edge!
·        Practice your networking skills. Speak to employers and learn about the experience necessary for your professional job search. Graduation is closer than you think!
·        Prepare for the career fair and research the companies. Take the time to know who will be attending and challenge yourself to connect with the companies after the fair to start building your network and a recruiting relationship.
·        Learn more about professional internship opportunities. Prepare questions regarding professional roles and internships.

Seniors! Your Professional Career Path Starts with the Professional Job Fair!
·        Attend the fair to network with professionals in a variety of industry roles. Do your research and have conversation items ready!
·        Make an Impact! You never get a second chance to make a first impression! Practice your introduction and conversation opening.
·        They are HIRING! Job search does not start at graduation. The average job search can take up to 6 months. Start early and follow-up with contacts made at the fair.

Just as you would study for a test or practice before a big game, preparation for your job search will only increase your potential to be successful after graduation. Networking is an ongoing process and the sooner you start, the more likely you are to develop quality professional contacts along the way.

Join us at the Professional Job Fair this Wednesday, October 22nd from 1-3:30p.m. in Fletcher Lounge of Plant Hall.

Jessie Bush, Assistant Director of Career Coaching and Professional Development

Lily Salem, Manager of Corporate and Community Development

Melena Postolowski, Assistant Director of Internship Programs

Office of Career Services

The University of Tampa

Don't Miss Out- Spring 2014 Internship Fair- Thursday Feb 6

Attention all UT students!!

Don't miss the chance to meet representatives from nearly 60 companies representing a wide variety of industries and majors at the UT Spring Internship Fair.  From Business to Non-Profit, to Science to Criminology this event promises to have it all.   Please be sure to check out a list of companies attending by logging into your HIRE UT account now.  Bring resumes and your professional attire to Fletcher Lounge from 1 to 3:30 pm on Thursday, February 6th.   See you there!!

Mark Colvenbach

Internship Fair Tomorrow

Internship Fair Reminder

The Importance of Internships

On a recent visit to California, I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from several companies including Google, Quiksilver, The Broad Residency, and DreamWorks Animation. While these companies represent a wide-array of fields, their message was consistent.

When asked, “What advice would you give college/graduate students?” two common themes emerged from each company - complete an internship and build a professional network. Both of these are components that can be accomplished at the Internship Fair scheduled for this Thursday from 1:00pm to 3:30pm in Fletcher Lounge. The Internship Fair has over 50 organizations registered! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network and learn about internship opportunities.

Did you know?

Internship Facts:

• 88% of employers use experiential education programs to recruit for their own work forces;
• 50% of interns accept full-time positions with internship employer;
• Over 80% of college students complete one internship;
• 69% of college students complete two internships;
• Starting salaries are $1,000 – $2,000 more than students without internship experience;
• 16% more job offers to student who had completed internships.

Before you go:

• Check HIRE-UT to review the list of companies who are registered for the Internship Fair. Research the companies you are most interested in.
• Bring copies of your resume! Resume critiques are available in the Office of Career Services during walk-in hours (Monday through Thursday from 2:00pm to 4:00pm).
• Prepare to network with employers and your peers.
• Dress for success! Review our blogs posts on professional dress.

Best of luck!

Data retrieved from: National Association of Colleges and Employers, Job Outlook 2010 Internship Bible, and VaultReports.com

Dress for Success: Career Fair Attire

The Professional Job Fair is only a few days away! Appropriate attire is a key ingredient to effectively navigating a career fair – after all, this is often an employer’s first impression of you! To help you prepare, we’ve compiled some tips on how to dress for success.

When attending a career fair, business professional attire is suggested.

Business professional attire for women:

Photo Courtesy of: Nordstrom.com

• Business suit in dark colors such as black, navy, or gray. If wearing a skirt suit be sure that the skirt is knee level or slightly above – no short skirts! Also, be sure to wear a tailored blouse underneath. Avoid low-cut tops.
• Closed-toe leather pumps with low to medium heels.
• Jewelry – generally, a good rule-of-thumb is no more than three pieces of jewelry (e.g., earrings, watch, and ring). Jewelry should be understated and appropriate for the workplace.
• In addition, make sure your make-up and nail polish is neutral and professional. 

Photo Courtesy of: Nordstrom.com

Business professional attire for men:

• Business suit in dark colors such as black, navy, or gray. 
• Long-sleeved starched oxford cloth shirt in white or light blue.
• Conservative necktie in color and pattern.
• Dress shoes – make sure your shoes are polished and well-maintained (i.e., no holes!).
• Over-the-calf dark socks.

Additional tips to remember:

• A friendly smile and eye contact will make you stand out!;
• Bring a briefcase or portfolio (no backpack);
• Well-groomed hairstyle - avoid unusual styles & colors;
• Wear minimal cologne or perfume;
• No visible body piercing or body art;
• Bring breath mints; use one before greeting recruiter. Do not chew gum!  

Internship Fair Today