George Washington University students and alumni will perfect their resumes, handshakes and elevator pitches for the Center for Career Services’ Fall 2014 Career and Internship Fair on Tuesday.
Students and alumni will meet with employers from the nonprofit, public and private sectors from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Charles E. Smith Center in the hopes of landing a job or internship.
More than 1,500 students and alumni attended the career fair last fall.
“We have more than 100 employers lined up, and we’re looking forward to assisting students and alumni in finding a job or internship,” Managing Director of Employer Services Staci Fowler said.
The Center for Career Services also launched the Backstage Pass program this year. 20 students will gain early access to the fair and the opportunity to host 10 employers that have strong relationships with the university including Accenture, the U.S. Department of State, the Peace Corps, the National Security Agency, Siemens, Berkeley Research Group, Clark Construction, Macy’s and others.
Ms. Fowler said that student hosts, who were selected following an application process, will gain valuable one-on-one time with employers at a “morning mixer,” held in the Charles E. Smith Center’s Colonials Club.
Valerie Rodden, a senior studying economics in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, hopes to secure a position in economic consulting and research analysis. Ms. Rodden said that following the two-day training for Backstage Pass hosts, she feels prepared to talk with prospective employers about her career goals.
“I'd like to learn more about the companies in my field and create networking contacts,” Ms. Rodden said. “It's recruiting season for a lot of companies, and I'd like to secure a position earlier rather than later.”
Leading up to the fair, the Center for Career Services has hosted extended walk-in hours between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Career Week, held Sept. 8-12, offered specialized workshops to prepare students for their job search.
Ms. Fowler said that although the Center for Career Services offers online resume critiques, students are encouraged to come into the office and meet with their assigned Career Coach to discuss their options.
“One of our missions this year is to have more one-on-one time with students,” Ms. Fowler said. “The idea is that each student—whether you are decided on a career path or undecided—will have a coach assigned to them.”
Ms. Fowler’s number one recommendation for students attending the fair?
Do your research.
“Identify who you want to target, do your research, have your resume critiqued and have your pitch ready,” Ms. Fowler said. “Students should approach each employer with background on what the company does and an idea of how their skills might fit with that company.”
For students and alumni who need a last-minute boost, the career fair will again feature a “prep room.” Macy’s will sponsor the prep room as a part of their “Careers After College” initiative to engage with potential employees. Students can also meet their Career Coach.
“The prep room is an opportunity for students and alumni to have one last opportunity to get organized and receive support before entering the fair,” Managing Director of Career Learning and Experience Michael McKenzie said.
A team of Center for Career Services coaches and members of the Career Services Council will be on hand to provide students with tips and feedback. Students can also practice their introduction and talk with staff members about a strategy for approaching prospective employers, Mr. McKenzie said.
“The Career Fair is often the first step in engaging with an employer, and we want to be sure students are working with a Career Coach after the fair to successfully follow up with employers, apply to internships and jobs and prepare for an interview,” Mr. McKenzie said.
The LinkedIn photo booth, sponsored by Office of Alumni Relations, will also return, offering students free access to a professional photo for their LinkedIn profile.
The GW Alumni Association LinkedIn group hosts monthly GW LinkedIn Virtual Networking Hours for more than 30,000 students, faculty, staff and alumni members to connect.