FIRST YEAR STUDENTS’ GUIDE to the ENGINEERING CAREER FAIR

1. FIRST YEAR STUDENTS’ GUIDE to the ENGINEERING CAREER FAIR FULTON SCHOOLS CAREER CENTER IRA A. FULTON SCHOOLS OF ENGINEERING

2. WHY COMPANIES GO TO CAREER FAIRS Meet large numbers of talented prospective employees Make their brand known on college campuses

3. WHY STUDENTS GO TO CAREER FAIRS To gather information about companies and positions To meet with recruiters and hiring managers To build their networks To make their brand known

4. RECRUITERS WANT TO FILL CERTAIN POSITIONS • Many are looking for students fairly near to graduation • Most are looking for students who have taken upper division major classes • Some will only be looking for students in selected majors • Recruiters’ compensation is, most likely, based on the number of successful hires

5. THERE ARE SOME EXCEPTIONS • Some companies do have internships for younger students • Extensive background checks required by the CIA and FBI require starting the hiring process early

6. A career fair is the first step in the process of hiring an intern or regular employee.It is followed by interviews, company visit, job offer, negotiation and acceptance.The process can take months.

7. WHY SHOULD A FRESHMAN EVEN BOTHER TO GO? The bar will never be set lower!

8. OTHER REASONS FOR ATTENDING • To gather information • To learn which companies come to campus and the jobs for which they hire • To practice talking to recruiters • To observe upper classmen • To make a positive first impression and introduce YOUR brand

9. WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR? If you want to… But, this is fine!

10. AND FOR WOMEN… If you want to… But this is fine!

11. NOT THESE

12. WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO? • If you have a backpack, put it in the backpack check • Have your Sun Card scanned and get a printed nametag • Look on the boards to see where companies are located

13. THEN WHAT? • Walk into a room, find a relatively quiet spot, and spend a few minutes looking around • Pretend that you are a recruiter and look at the students • Do some appear more professional than others? • Walk around, look at exhibits, pick up information

14. WHAT SHOULD I SAY? “I’m a freshman (major) and I wanted to come the career fair to see what it is like, to gather information and learn about jobs and internships in my major.”

15. Or…“I know several people who work for your company and enjoy their work. I would like to learn more future opportunities.”

16. And if you already have an idea of what you would like to do, and know something about a company, try this:“I am very interested in _______ and I know that your company does ______. I would like to find out more about your internship program.”

17. How To Converse With Recruiters • Imagine a giant professional social event with a purpose. • Recruiters are people too! It’s okay to have a normal conversation; but, be respectful of their time. • Show genuine interest in what they have to say.

18. Suggested conversation starters…if time permits Ask: • What they like most about their company • What they look for when hiring college students • Questions that are of particular interest to you Remember that they are looking for specific, experienced students so DO NOT be discouraged if they suddenly stop the conversation; there is always next year!

19. Are You Uncomfortable Approaching Professionals? • Volunteer for the event through your Fulton Student Organization. • Helping recruiters can be a more relaxing way to open doors for more conversations. • Just keep in mind, you want to keep the interactions PROFESSIONAL!

20. Besides career fairs,are there other opportunities to meetwith employers visiting campus? EMPLOYER RECRUITING INFO SESSIONS are a great way to meet employers. You can learn about opportunities within various organizations in informal and relaxed settings.

21. DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN HANDSHAKE

22. QUESTIONS? Follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/fultoncareercenter