The annual Fall Career Fair is this Wednesday, presenting opportunities for all students at the University of Idaho to meet with employers in the area.
According to the fair’s Handshake page, close to 200 employers will be attending the event. With all of these employers, there should be an opportunity for the majority of students to find someone who could help them prepare for finding a job.
However, as many people know, this event does not offer equal opportunity for all majors. At a glance, it’s fairly clear the majority of opportunities are geared toward STEM majors.
Knowing this, many colleges are offering their own career fairs and networking nights in hopes to offer opportunities for those students whose majors are underrepresented at the main Career Fair. For example, the College of Art and Architecture offered their own career fair on Monday night, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is offering an employer networking night tonight, and many others.
Although there might not be equal opportunity for all at the Career Fair, it’s still a great resource to meet professionals and discover tips for finding a career from those who are successful in their chosen field. It is also a good idea for each student to check if their separate college hosts its own career fair opportunity. The best way to find that out is to talk with professors within your major or with your advisor.
Despite what you do, show up to the networking nights and career fair. You will gain important experience and network with professionals in the area.
When you do attend sessions like these, show up in professional attire to make a good impression on those you may meet. First impressions are everything, and if you don’t look professional, you are less likely to gain those networking opportunities.
These sessions are also important because they give you an opportunity to have your resume glossed over. It is well-known that employers spend about six seconds looking at a resume. The resume you give to employers needs to look professional and be eye-catching in order to be considered for the job.
If you can’t make it to the career fair, Career Services located on the third floor of the Idaho Student Union Building — formerly known as the Idaho Commons— can help. They offer career assessments for those who may be feeling lost in their major, job and internship opportunities, resume and cover letter tips, interview tips and much more.
The University of Idaho offers a wide variety of services that all students should take advantage of in order to prepare for applying for jobs after graduation.
The University of Idaho career fair is this Wednesday from 2-6 p.m. in the Kibbie Dome.
Nicole Hindberg can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @HindbergNicole