Many universities have seasonal career fairs or host a large one towards the spring right before graduation. You will find a lot of Seniors here as they approach graduation and are on the hunt for looking for any job they can find.
If you are in the beginning stages of your college years, take advantage of this wonderful and FREE resource. Even if you are not actively looking for a job at the moment or even if you have one, take a moment to walk around.
As our social environment is constantly evolving, you always want to be ahead of the game to know what jobs are out there, who is hiring and what they are looking for. This will give you an opportunity to hone your skills while in school. Let's say you want to be a Marketing Manager as soon as you graduate out of college. What skills besides having a degree in Marketing is needed for that position in that dream company? Take a moment to see what they are looking for and what experience is needed. This is smart for you to think about what extra classes you need to take or even getting an internship in order for you to be skilled in that specific software program and for you to gain experience. You can also take the summer to be self taught by signing up for free online virtual classes that may be offered to students or looking at credible tutorials on youtube. You can only learn so much in the classroom, but the best classroom is the real world. Know what is needed so you can start working on developing those skills so you can be ahead of the competition.
This can also be a good time for you to see your future competition. Just walk around the room and look at the employers from a distance. Look at how they dress, how they talk and the presentation of their booth. Look at who they are interviewing at the booth if they are and grab a few business cards and packets along the way.
This is also a good opportunity for those that may not have declared a major yet. This can help inspire you as to what you want to do after college. Do you want an office environment or something that is more hands on? Network with different employers and talk about how you may consider an internship in the future. Ask questions. Showing interest and initiative will make an impression with that employer and maybe even for your future.
An important note after each encounter whether it is for a job opportunity or just to explore: Keep in touch. Grab their business card and send an email no later than the next day saying thank you for their time and to highlight an important topic you discussed. Recruiters will have met so many people that you want to make yourself memorable and remind them of what you chatted about, even if it was bonding over your shared favorite baseball team or if you share the same hometown. Feel free to connect or ask to connect via LinkedIn.
Even though you may not be actively looking for a job and are enjoying the college life with all the weekend frat parties, take the time to use this great resource to build your network and to gain networking skills. This can help inspire you, help mold you become better than the rest of the competition and also help you connect with your future employer and that dream job.
It's 9 am. Let's get networking.
To keep in touch with Lucy or to read more blog posts and articles, visit and connect with her on LinkedIn.