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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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”

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

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

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

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

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

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.