As Texas A&M students embark on another successful semester in their academic journey, industry experts point to career fairs as meaningful opportunities and excellent spaces where students can both network and learn about the employment process.
From freshmen to seniors, Aggie undergraduates will have the opportunity for face time with business and academic leaders offering guidance, feedback and advice, which are key to opening doors to future careers when the College of Arts and Sciences hosts the one-day Spring Career Fair on Feb. 3 in Room 2300 of the Memorial Student Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Job opportunities are just one aspect of a career fair, said Barclay Osborne, assistant managing director at the Career Center. Students also learn more about what different companies look for in job candidates long before they start the job hunt. “It can be nerve-racking for students,” Osborne said, “but these carefully curated events are designed to maximize student and vendor success. Preparation is the key!”
How To Get the Most Out of the Career Fair — Even If You’re Nervous
1. Just Go! Attend the Spring Career Fair on Feb. 3 in the MSC
Missing the career fair is the No. 1 mistake students make, Osborne said. “Don’t worry about being perfect,” she said. “Even a few minutes circulating at this event can make a difference in future opportunities. Don’t hesitate to name the elephant in the room, even if you are not dressed appropriately. Apologize and explain your situation: ‘I’m sorry, I’m not dressed for this interview, but I just arrived from West Campus and saw you were here. I wanted to come shake your hand.’ That’s going to make a huge impression on a recruiter that you took the time out of your day to fit a quick visit into your schedule.”
2. Practice Before Walking in the Door
Taking the time to prepare to speak to employers can help calm nerves, Osborne advised. Steps as simple as practicing an elevator pitch and a proper handshake make a difference in calming nerves before meeting a potential employer.
“A lot of that is just going to be outward vocal practice,” Osborne said, “because that is where a lot of people get nervous. We’re in the digital age. If you make a mistake, just say, ‘I’m so sorry, that’s not what I meant to say.’”
3. Meet a Wide Variety of Employers
Avoid being dead set on a specific company, Osborne said. Considering what all the vendors offer may open a door to future opportunities. It also helps students explore a variety of post-graduation options.
“Many students attend with a preconceived notion of ‘I want to work for company X, Y or Z,’ so they talk only to company Z,” Osborne said. “You may be unfamiliar with other companies, but this may be your only chance to learn more about them.”
4. Take A Risk: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Even freshmen can learn valuable things at a career fair, Osborne said. It is a chance to “shake off the scares.” Asking questions helps students understand which valuable traits they should develop as they move toward choosing a career path and applying for jobs.
“Try something for the first time,” Osborne said. “Ask people: ‘What are you looking for? I’m only a freshman. What could I do over the next three years that would make me a valuable candidate to you when I’m a senior?’ Come back year after year and meet that same person.”
5. Network, Network and Network Again
Before attending a career fair, students should understand what recruiters are looking for, Obsome said, noting that networking and resources such as LinkedIn, Find an Aggie and the Career Center may help clarify those expectations. “All these resources and more are at your fingertips, and they cost nothing other than time.”
Practicing and being confident are the best things you can wear to an interview at a career fair. Not a suit, not a tie. The best thing you can wear is confidence.
Involvement in student and community activities and organizations is a plus. “Whether it’s volunteering, participating in a student organization or part-time work — all are valuable experiences to prospective employers,” she said. “But you don't have to be involved in everything to be the best candidate.”
To make a lasting positive impression, carefully prepare a resume, an elevator pitch, a firm handshake and a list of questions to ask employers, according to the Career Center website, which offers online tools and step-by-step instructions. Afterward, follow up with companies by connecting through LinkedIn or Find An Aggie on The Association of Former Students website.
Dressing appropriately matters for any business function, and the Career Center provides guidelines for business professional, business casual or smart casual attire.
“The Arts & Sciences Career Fair is mostly business casual,” Osborne said. “Be neat, clean and organized. If you have a suit, great, but that is certainly not a requirement because many of the jobs you’ll be applying for are not suit-and-tie kind of jobs.”
Career Closet, a Texas A&M University student organization, is an excellent resource (located in MSC Room L428) where students can check out and return business clothing at no charge. Learn more at TAMU Career Closet on Instagram.
