Career Fair VIP Tours Jared Meitler Career and Employment Services

K-State All-University Career Fair Students Employer Reps 400+ Companies

Background Info Began career in Higher Ed in 2012 Open Option & First-Year students Attended the 32 nd Conference on the First- Year Experience

Desired Outcomes We want freshman to: – Become more comfortable/confident talking with employers – Be exposed to a variety of employers – Identify potential internship opportunities – Gain an understanding of the atmosphere of a career fair

Student Communication Outreach to students: – K-State First Program Participants FY Seminar and CAT Community Instructors GPS (First-Year Student Mentoring Program)

Employer Communication Employer Advisory Board Meeting – July before late-Sept. Career Fair Follow-up via Corporate Partners 1 st, then companies that hire across majors

Employer Benefits Initiate brand awareness Showcase the company and its opportunities Educate prospective employees about skills and experiences needed Some desire to hire young talent

Employer Concerns What if there is a line of students already? Single representative dedicated to the tours? How much does it cost?

Student Concerns What’s in it for me? What should I wear? What time do I need to be there? How long will it take? Do I get free stuff?

Day of… Brief (5 min) overview of what to expect Groups of 6-8 Pause & reflect together after 2-3 stops

VIP Experience VIP Nametags Legends Room Access

Student Feedback Short survey at the end of the tour Asked to complete before they left

Because of the VIP Tour, I feel more comfortable in the atmosphere of the career fair

I am more confident in visiting future career fairs because of the VIP Tour

I am likely to attend future career fairs because of the VIP Tour

Student Feedback Vast majority was very positive – Time to debrief was beneficial Most common recommendations – Divide groups by college/major & visit industry specific companies – Make the tours longer

Lessons Learned Avoid scheduling tours during peak times Guides should be engaging and prepared to coach Reach out to Faculty partners early Ask for help!

Questions? Grateful acknowledgments… – Mary Utter, Office of the First-Year Experience, University of Pittsburgh – CES Corporate Partners and other participating employers – K-State First – K-State CES Staff

Contact Info Jared Meitler Campus Engagement Coordinator Career and Employment Services