HOW TO MAKE CAREER NIGHT A SUCCESSFUL EVENT

1. HOW TO MAKE CAREER NIGHT A SUCCESSFUL EVENT Center for Career Development, University of Connecticut

2. GOALS OF THIS PRESENTATION • To help you develop realistic expectations of Career Night • To provide you with information about the purpose of Career Night • To help you prepare, perform, and follow through on your event experience to maximize the benefits

3. WHAT IS CAREER NIGHT? • An event … • that provides a forum for student and employer interaction; • where the basic purpose is to share information; • where students can practice networking and relationship building.

4. WHY DO EMPLOYERS ATTEND? • To advertise their organization and increase visibility with students/university • To identify potential job prospects • To express interest in students and graduates of UConn • To provide career and general information about their organization

5. WHY DO STUDENTS ATTEND? • To learn more about career opportunities in general • To network with employers and make contacts with organizations • To collect employer information • To make a good first impression

6. PRIOR TO CAREER NIGHT: Preparing for maximum effect – key points • Clarify Your Career Goals • Research Organizations • Develop well constructed questions for the employer • Choosing your Wardrobe

7. PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR: Preparing for maximum effect • Clarify your career goals • Understand why you are attending • Career Night • Understand what you want to accomplish • Clarify your personal goals – what are you hoping to gain by attending

8. PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR: Preparing for maximum effect • Research organizations that you have targeted • Visit the College of Agriculture’s website to see who is attending the fair • Visit the organization’s website • Investigate issues, trends, and the outlook of professions/industries that are of interest to you

9. PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR: Preparing for maximum effect • Prepare a list of questions to ask employers • Creative and challenging questions • Demonstrate knowledge of your chosen career field • Within reason, you may ask questions at this event that you cannot in an interview

10. PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR: Preparing for maximum effect • What to wear… • Business Casual is recommended • Should be conservative and fit properly • The focus should be on you, not on what you wear • Your attire should be appropriate for all employers • Bring something to manage your papers (portfolio, briefcase) • Do not overuse cologne or perfume

11. AT CAREER NIGHT • Employers want to share information on what their company does as well as gather information on students • Your interaction with company representatives should be highly professional at all times • May keep you in mind for referrals or positions not yet advertised • “Don’t burn bridges”

12. DURING CAREER NIGHT • Presentation skills: Be aware of your verbal communication • Speak clearly and concisely • Provide brief, targeted answers to questions • Be honest • Provide complete and articulate responses • Show interest, energy, enthusiasm • Demonstrate that you prepared for the event by having intelligent responses

13. DURING CAREER NIGHT • Presentation skills: Non-verbal communication • Dress professionally - “look the part” • Have good eye contact • Offer a firm handshake • Demonstrate poise and composure • Avoid distracting mannerisms

14. DURING CAREER NIGHT • Interpersonal skills • Employers will be measuring your ability to interact at a professional level • Knowledge of yourself, the organization, and the industry will allow you to have an intelligent, balanced conversation • Your preparation will manifest itself in a confident, self-assured presentation, which, in the mind of the employer will equal strong interpersonal skills

15. TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS: • A carefully crafted and professional presentation will ensure that you make a positive and lasting impression • Follow-up is important to distinguish yourself from other students and to maintain contact with employers – through well written thank-you notes following the event

16. FOLLOW UP – AFTER CAREER NIGHT • Determine the best way to follow up with the employer • Get a business card • Send a brief note (or email) to the representative that you met at Career Night

17. QUESTIONS ??? • See a professional career consultant at Career Services if you have questions - career consulting is available on a walk-in basis - don’t hesitate to visit the office in CUE 217 if you have any questions • The Staff at Career Services wish you the best in your major/career exploration and job search efforts.