You’ve heard it many times, “if you want to gain an internship experience then head over to the Bentley career fair!” However, I know it can be extremely scary to even begin thinking about dressing up in a suit, handing out your resume, and explaining to potential employers what you want to do with your life (even if you are an upperclassman and have done it before!). You may be thinking, “How will I get an internship if I don’t know exactly how to explain where I want my career to go?”
Well, as scary as it may sound, making a Career Services appointment, going to the career fair, talking to employers about internship options, and then eventually participating in your first internship are great ways to figure out just that – what you want to do and how you want to do it, in terms of your career.
Here are 5 things you can do NOW for a successful Career Fair experience:
1. View the Career Fair information and update your profile on BentleyLink!
Each year every Bentley student needs to update their BentleyLink profile with their current year in school and other relevant information. Nametags for the Fair are generated from this system, so make sure the information is correct prior to attending!
To view the time, date, and location for the Career Fair, as well as the list of potential employers (see #4), check out the “Career Fair information” tab under the “Events” section on BentleyLink.
2. Buy a suit and get your “look” together!
Something every Bentley student should own: a formal business suit. Suits can range in price, from affordable to expensive, and come in a variety of color and material options. My advice for the Career Fair and interviews is to keep it simple and professional: a black skirt or pants suit with a neutral-color collared shirt. Check out NY&Co, JCPenney, Dress Barn, and Macy’s for some budget-friendly suiting options!
Be sure to wear shoes that you can walk in – if you wore a pair out on Saturday night that hurt your feet, then you will want to choose a different pair for this event. Black flats for mid-sized heels are great options for the Fair and keep you comfortable and professional the whole time. Also, don’t forget to wear stockings or nylons if you’re wearing a skirt! You should be impressing the employers with your personality, skills, and resume – not your interesting fashion choices.
3. Get your resume in top shape!
Updating your resume with relevant experiences, leadership positions on campus, and correct contact information is definitely a must for the Career Fair! Meeting with a Career counselor is a great way to get feedback on your resume, as well as sending your resume to any mentors or connections you may have for them to read over.
Printing your resume on special resume paper is also a good idea for the Career Fair! Check out Staples or CVS for resume paper supplies. Remember to print several copies of your resume and have them ready to go in your portfolio folder for the day of the Fair!
4. Make a list of 10-12 employers that you want to check out at the Fair and research them.
Demonstrating your knowledge about a company that you want to work for can mean the world when employers are seeing hundreds of Bentley students in one day. The company representatives want to hear about YOU and want to answer intelligent questions. Therefore, do your research! If the question can be answered by the company’s website then you shouldn’t ask it! Some examples of questions not to ask are:
- What industry is your company in?
- What internships does your company have?
- Where is your company located?
Instead, ask questions that show that you have done your research and show your interest:
- I’ve noticed that you offer internships year-round, is it a possibility for a summer intern to stay on board into the fall?
- I really how technically advance this company is. Will I be doing hands-on tasks if hired as an intern?
- I’m really interested in the internship in the _____ department, but I am only a (Freshman, Sophomore, etc). How can I best prepare myself for a position like this?
5. Practice makes perfect – what does YOUR elevator pitch sound like?
Do you feel comfortable talking about yourself and your goals? You may be answering this question with a “NO”, but in reality, you are probably better at an elevator pitch than you think! Writing out your elevator pitch, is a great way to practice and provide clarity for your “30 seconds of fame” with the employers at the Career Fair. Here are some things to definitely include in your “spiel” about you:
- Major
- Year in School
- Industry/Position(s) that you’re looking for this year or in the future
- Your past experiences, leadership positions, and skills
- What you’re looking for from the specific company (specific position, internship, full-time job)
Good luck at the Career Fair, and remember – your smile, energy, and professionalism will allow you to shine!