RIT is a school focused on preparing students for a career. The Career Fair is one of the events helping students to get closer to their dream jobs. RIT Career Fairs are hosted each semester: one in the fall and one in the spring. More than 200 companies come to campus looking to hire students for co-ops and full-time positions. Many big companies come to the Career Fair looking to hire RIT students, such as: Apple, GE, Goole, Boeing and so on. There are also some start-up companies who just need new blood in their companies. There a variety of companies in a variety of fields - looking for students in all sorts of different majors.
My first year at RIT, I saw a long line outside the Golden Field House of students waiting to register for Career Fair. At that time, I was just a fresh bird in college. “Wow” was the feeling I had. Everyone was dressed up and looked confident. When I had a chance to get inside, the feeling was beyond a description of “wow”. Employers were busy to collecting resumes and giving short interviews to students. Students looked excited about everything around them. This was my Career Fair feeling for my first year as a spectator.
My second year, my goal was to look for a full-time co-op. This time I needed to get into the battle, and not just look on from the outside! The first time was nerve-racking. I got in line for four to five companies, but I didn’t get an interview for the next day. However, it was a great experience to know how the career fair worked. It also gave me useful information for my online application, and for the next semester's Career Fair.
Let me give you couple tips on how to increase your probability of success at a Career Fair:
- Checked out Job Zone and research companies and positions ahead of time
In Job Zone under the event category, you can find Career Fair information. Search all the companies suitable for your major and your situation. If you are interested in applying to this company, it is always good to submit your resume to their website ahead of time, before you go to the career fair. Read the job description carefully so when you talk with the company you know what kind of person the company is looking for. Also, do some research about the company and prepare questions to ask the company. When you show your interest in the company, the company will like you more.
- Update your resume
It is best to keep your resume one-page long. No one likes to flip the page, and in the real situation, 7 seconds is how long an HR gives to review a new resume. Find others to look at your resume and give you feedback and see where things need to be changed. The Career Office can also help you modify your resume.
- Prepare a 60 seconds commercial
The 60 second commercial (which is also called the elevator speech) is an introduction you can use in a number of different scenarios that quickly explains who you are, what your interests and goals are, and what you know about the company. The format of this commercial has five steps. You can ask yourself five questions: who are you? what are you looking for? what interests you about this company? and what is your next step? Putting them all together, you can get your short introduction and leave a positive impression with employers.
- Attended info sessions and set up an appointment with a co-op advisor
The Career Office usually hosts many info sessions before the Career Fair. You can find any of the information you are seeking there. Preparing the proper clothes is one of the big topics. You can also make an appointment with advisors in the Career Office if you have further questions.
Overall, good preparation will give you more confidence. Good luck to all students in the Career Fair!