For Eric Anderson, an associate director at the University of Idaho career services center, being able to help put on the career fair is like putting on their rendition of the “Oscars.”
“We work hard all year, all semester long for this event … it really is a great benefit of the job in terms of helping students who are putting in a lot of work, seeing them come dressed up, seeing them effectively talk to employers, it really is a fun day for that,” Anderson said.
The career fair has been a bi-annual event occurring each semester over the past five years, and according to Anderson, this year is expected to be the biggest fair thus far.
Anderson said that they have employers at the fair representing all majors.
“We try and represent fall industries, all majors, and have all of our colleges well represented, I would say you’ll see a strong showing in business, engineering, agriculture, and natural resources… this year is the most representation we’ve had in art and architecture… we have almost tripled the amount of art and architecture employers since last year… I think it’s the most employers we’ve ever had,” Anderson said.
Anderson said that some of the employers there will be hiring, while others will just be looking to give information to students about their company or organization.
According to Anderson, when students arrive at the fair October 3, they can expect to be checked in, and given a name tag with their major on it. After that, students will be shown a list of the employers that are at the fair and what they are looking for.
One student who will be attending the career fair for the first time is Eduard Mixich.
Mixich is double majoring in wildlife biology and fisheries.
Mixich said he is looking forward to the career fair to get an idea of the careers available in his degree.
“It’s a great opportunity to possibly get a job in the field I want… there are so many people there willing to answer any questions I have…,” Mixich said.
Mixich said he is most interested in looking at employers within natural resources and plans to prepare for the event by bringing questions and multiple resumes for employers.
Anderson recommends that students look up the list of employers ahead of time. Students can find a list of employers through Handshake, a website through the University of Idaho.
“You don’t have to know everything about a company but check out their social media, a lot of people will check out their websites but they are not always updated, but social media is very current, and I think by doing that you get a lot of great information on conversation and talking points with the employers,” Anderson said.
Anderson said that students should come prepared to the career fair with the necessary materials to make a good impression, such as multiple resumes, cover letters, a portfolio and a notepad and pen.
“Bring multiple copies of your resume, and we always say bring more than you think, just because in your research there might have been a company not on your list when you were doing your research,” Anderson said.
While he understands many students will be coming back from classes, Anderson encourages students leave their backpacks behind to look more professional for employers.
Anderson said he still recommends attending the fair even for those not looking for a job.
He said that by attending the fair it can provide students with knowledge about employers, what they are looking for and experience in interviewing.
Anderson said that students who attend the career fair multiple years are more bold and confident than those who don’t, which can lead to an advantage over their peers.
“You’re getting a contact at the company so that down the road if you do want to apply you have someone to talk to, or you learn about their application process or what they’re looking for,” Anderson said.
Anderson said they hope to help students who are nervous by having career advisors on hand that day so if they are nervous, they can walk in and meet with one of the career advisors to practice.
“The bare minimum you can expect is to hopefully have some great conversations to learn what employers are looking for and how their degrees can be an asset…,” Anderson said, “and for some employers, they will be looking for people to interview for internships and jobs.
The career fair takes place October 3 in the ASUI Kibbie Activity Center 2-6 p.m.
Cody Allred can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @CodyLAllred