Preparing students for Spring Career Fairs

Career Services will host its annual Spring Career Fairs on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at Modesto A. Maidique Campus (MMC) and Tuesday, Feb. 11, at Biscayne Bay Campus (BBC).

More than 80 employers and recruiters and thousands of students and alumni are expected to attend. The fair is open to all FIU students and alumni. Employers at the career fairs are seeking to hire various roles, including full-time, part-time and internship positions.

Ivette Duarte, interim director of Career Services, says preparation is key before attending the fair.

“Students need to research employers attending the event ahead of time,” she said. “Never ever ask what the company does or can do for you!”

Duarte recommends that all students, freshman through seniors, take advantage of walk-in hours for resume critiques, available at all three Career Services locations, and attend MEGA Career Week workshops leading up to the career fair.

MEGA Career Week is underway through Feb. 11 and provides students with daily workshops at MMC, BBC and the Engineering campus with free advice and feedback on resumes, interview skills, searching for jobs on LinkedIn and networking.

To ensure students and alumni are presented in the best light possible, Career Services will also feature its first-ever Ready Room at the MMC career fair. Complete with four stations, the Ready Room gives students a last-minute opportunity to physically and mentally prepare for job prospects. The four stations include:

• How Do I Look?: this area is filled with mirrors, hairspray, lint rollers and other items to make sure students look their best

• Researching Employers: iPads will be available for students to research last-minute information about potential employers

• Picture Perfect: students can pose for a professional headshot to use on their LinkedIn profiles

• Practice Run: students will practice eye contact, greetings, handshakes and their 30-second “elevator pitch” before heading into the fair

Students attending the fair must wear professional attire, have multiple copies of their resume and a Panther ID.

Duarte stresses that presenting a professional image and articulating career interests makes for a lasting impression to employers. However, following up is also critical.

“At the fair, ask for a business card and immediately write on the back what conversation transpired,” she advises. “Follow up via email on what was discussed and ask if they will be on campus to interview at a later date in the semester.”

For a full list of employers attending the fair, visit career.fiu.edu. Students may attend both fairs. Students who need assistance with business clothing can also contact Career Services for options.

Spring Career Fairs schedule:

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014
3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
U.S. Century Bank Arena
Modesto A. Maidique Campus

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wolfe University Center Ballrooms
Biscayne Bay Campus