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The Spring 2024 Career Fair is only less than a week away! For many Bentley students, it might feel like the same day of entering a crowded arena with tables and trying not to get lost. For others, it might be your first time experiencing a Career Fair. Whatever the case, the Career Fair is the Career Center’s biggest event of the semester for a reason. With many potential companies to work for, friendly faces you can network with, and other career development resources, entering the arena in your suit with a folder in hand can feel intimidating. However, if you know what you are doing, all these fears will disappear. Here are some ways you can prepare for the Career Fair to make the most of it this semester:
Before the Career Fair – Strategize and Plan!
A common misconception about the Career Fair is that you can walk in unprepared, and everything will work out from there. However, to gain all the professional experience and benefits of attending the Career Fair, you will need to prepare to bring your best professional self to the arena. For one, we recommend you print out copies of your resume before the day of the Career Fair. Doing this before will help you avoid long lines at the printers and will be one thing to cross out of your to-do list before the last minute. Depending on how many companies you want to check out, we recommend 3-8 copies to do the trick. Research the companies you are interested in beforehand to ensure you can lead conversations with recruiters productively. (If you need a refresher on the companies joining us, check this link out!)
Day of Career Fair – Stand Out!
With the printed-out resumes and previous research on the companies you are interested in, it’s time to enter that building and put your networking skills to the test. Feel free to walk into different booths and greet employers (that’s why they’re here, after all!) Engage in meaningful conversations and ask as many questions as needed to clear off all your doubts. While intimidating, it is crucial to be the most confident version of yourself and seize every opportunity to make yourself known to employers. Of course, you do not have to talk to every company in attendance but focus on the ones you are genuinely interested in. Quality over quantity is very much a thing!
After the Career Fair – Stay in Touch!
If you had great experiences with companies, try maintaining them close to your roster and keep the connection brewing! You can achieve this by exchanging LinkedIns with people you met at the fair, following the companies on social media, signing up for their email newsletters, and any form of communication that lets you stay updated on future internships or full-time opportunities! If not, you still built up a network of people who can help you extend that network to find the right fit for you!
You can get Fast Pass pre-registration for the Spring 2024 Career Fair by checking in at the Employer Relations/Recruiting Office in LaCava until February 6th at 4:30 P.M. And see you at the Career Fair this upcoming Wednesday, February 7th, from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.!
