September 2004

Briefly speaking: Advice on attending career fairs

Career fairs held throughout the year help students explore their options.

Going out in search of work can be daunting, but UC Davis gives students opportunities to have scores of employers come to them during several internship and career fairs.

The first fair this academic year will be held Thursday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UC Davis Pavilion. More than 150 companies, government agencies and non-profit organizations will be seeking students interested in internships, career employment and community service.

Registration for the fair is not required. Students need only bring their student identification cards, copies of their resumes and a little preparation, says Christine Dito, manager of campus career recruiting programs for the Internship and Career Center.

Check out the options

Chris Dito of the Internship and Career Center. (Julia Ann Easley/UC Davis)

"This is your chance to get acquainted with job options in your field while exploring related careers," Dito tells students. "Take advantage of so many companies being in one convenient spot."

A Web page about the fairs provides a list of employers who will attend each event. Dito recommends that students research the companies they are interested in and prepare to ask questions of recruiters.

Prepare and follow through

Professionalism is key, Dito says. Students should be polite, polished and patient with a positive, confident attitude. With so many students and recruiters at the fair, it is important for students to respect others' privacy when approaching a recruiter's table. Then, she advises, "Set yourself apart with a smile and strong introduction."

A well-written resume is essential, Dito says. Resume-writing workshops are provided by the Internship and Career Center throughout the year, in addition to sessions on interview skills and job searching.

After the fair, Dito says, students would be wise to send a thank-you note, outlining their interests and qualifications, to recruiters from organizations in which they are interested.

Other career fairs, focusing on specific fields, will be held Nov. 4, Jan. 27, Feb. 17 and April 21. A career day with workshops and panel discussions for students interested in careers in health and the biological sciences will be held Nov. 6.

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