Oshkosh Placement Exchange “On The Road” 2013

What is OPE? Efficient way for college and university Residence Life employers to meet and interview candidates from across the country Entry level Graduate Assistant Post-Master’s Limited Opportunities in: Student Activities Programming Leadership Development Greek Affairs We are committed to helping you find your fit!

35 th Annual OPE: February 28 - March 3, 2013 Employer Statistics Registered First Time Attending Listings Graduate Assistantships States Represented

34 th Annual OPE: February 28 - March 3, 2013 Candidate Statistics Registered Bachelors Degree Masters Degree Grad. Assistantship Interest States Represented

Registration Registration is already OPEN! Register Online: Candidate Early Bird: $120 (prior to 1/1/14) Candidate Regular: $135 (post 1/1/14)

Where Do I Stay? Lodging is available in the Conference Center for $35.00/person/night (limited availability) Oshkosh area hotels Reserve your room early!

What Should I Work On Before OPE? “Blurb” Resume Research Interview Skills Build Professional Wardrobe

What Do I Do When I Arrive? Pick Up Your Registration Packet Attend Candidate Briefing Candidate Center Transportation Center

Registration Check Your Mailbox! Registration Packet Includes: Nametag Message Slips Candidate Guide

Candidate Briefing 2 Chances: Thursday, February 27 th - 6:30-7:15pm Friday, February 28 th - 8:00-8:45am Candidate Q&A Registration Thursday, February 27 th - 7:30-9:00pm

Candidate Center Message Center: Send correspondence to employers Request Interviews Send “Thank You” notes Receive correspondence from employers Institution Information Interview Requests

Candidate Center Scheduling Center: Pre-Scheduled Interviews Schedule Interviews Schedule Updates, Changes, and Cancellations

Transportation Center Hotel/GCC Shuttle Service Bus Schedules Transportation Tips Plan ahead! Early morning is busiest

OPE Tips Interviewing Etiquette Dress for Success

Interviewing Do’s Maintain eye contact Know your stuff! Sell your skills Relax, Breathe, Regroup

Interviewing Do Nots Be critical or negative Evade questions Brag or boast Use slang and acronyms Ask questions about compensation

Etiquette Only schedule with schools in which you are interested Be honest! Be on time or early Make polite conversation with others No trash talking! Use “Thank You” notes

Dress for Success Build your professional wardrobe Use what you have Invest in tailored pieces and key basics Flair Avoid: Being overly casual Feeling uncomfortable Distractions Backpacks

Life After OPE Make a list of schools in which you are still interested Maintain positive contact after the conference Complete your file Prepare for on-campus interviews Schools are: Reviewing files Inviting candidates Conducting on-campus interviews

Unable To Attend OPE? Check out other placement exchanges throughout the United States!

13 th Annual Southern Placement Exchange Hosted by the University of Memphis February 21 st – 23 rd, th Annual Oshkosh Placement Exchange Hosted by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Department of Residence Life and Gruenhagen Conference Center February 27 th – March 2 nd, 2014 The Placement Exchange Baltimore, Maryland March 12 th – 16 th, 2014 American College Personnel Association Indianapolis, Indiana March 30 th – April 2 nd, 2014 New England Student Affairs Placement Conference Location TBD Dates TBD (typically held in May)

Best of Luck! Questions? Thoughts? Other Tips and Advice?