1. go.gwu.edu/career services Making the Career Fair Work for International Students Anne V. Scammon, Managing Director

2. go.gwu.edu/career services Today What would you like to learn? What is a career fair? When and where is the Fair? How do I prepare? How do I research employers? How should I dress? What do I say to the employer? Will I find a job? What do I say about my visa?

3. go.gwu.edu/career services What do you think? Evaluate Today’s Program Check iPhone for link to program evaluation Have you learned from the program today? – I have learned more about myself. – I have learned more about connecting with employers. – I have learned more about how to be a professional. Comments & Ideas

4. go.gwu.edu/career services Upcoming Workshops & Events: Spring Career & Internship Fair Wednesday, February 17, 1pm-5pm, Charles E. Smith Center Interviewing in the U.S. for International Students Thursday, February 25, 2pm-3:30pm, Marvin Center Room 309

5. go.gwu.edu/career services Purpose Opportunity for employers – Promote their organization – Meet with prospective employees – Maintain organization brand (Not all employers hire) – Many will not hire international students Opportunity for students – Learn about companies – Make connections/network – Interact with employer representatives – Gather information and research companies

6. go.gwu.edu/career services Dates, Times, Location Wednesday, September 16 1:00pm to 5:00pm – Charles E. Smith Center 22 nd & G Streets – 100+ employers – 2000+ students/alumni – RSVP to the Career Fair by logging into GWork (or your school-based GWork portal)

7. go.gwu.edu/career services At the Career Fair

8. go.gwu.edu/career services Overview What employers expect – Interactive conversation about your interest in the company What you can expect – Set realistic goals How to prepare – Research employers How to present yourself – Smile, Handshake, Eye Contact – Professional pitch How to follow up after the Fair

9. go.gwu.edu/career services What Employers Expect Provide information beyond their website Identify those who make an impression! Companies want to share information Organization in a centralized format (Career Fair) Highlight roles/opportunities available Full-time, internship (CPT/OPT)

10. go.gwu.edu/career services Employer Hiring Traditions Four types of employers Do and Will Never and May Consider Consider Based on Position (STEM) Don’t and Won’t 1. 2. 3. 4.

11. go.gwu.edu/career services Your Expectations

12. go.gwu.edu/career services Career Fair Preparation – Interact with potential employer – Gather information about companies – Identify employers hiring international students – Make a contact for follow up – Learn about U.S. job search practices

13. go.gwu.edu/career services Prepare Identify types of positions Research employers – Know what the employer does – Identify primary products/services, and industry – Determine why organization interests you – Identify your skills that meet organization/position – Identify #1, #2, #3 employers – Go to GWORK to research

14. go.gwu.edu/career services Prepare International Student Career Ambassadors Resume and Cover Letter Critiques – Monday-Thursday*, 10am-7pm, Friday, 10am-4pm (*Except Tuesday 1pm -2pm) – Science and Engineering Hall, 22 nd and H Streets Career Fair Prep Room @ the Fair – Meet with a Center career coach for advice and to practice your 30-Second Professional Pitch

15. go.gwu.edu/career services

16. Present Yourself What do I have to offer? – Handshake – Professional pitch – Respond to employer questions – Appropriate professional attire and hygiene – Excellent resume

17. go.gwu.edu/career services What you have to offer Identify your skills, experience and accomplishments – What are your skills? – What experience do you have? – What was accomplished as a result of you work? – What are your goals? What specifically do you want accomplish?

18. go.gwu.edu/career services Introduce yourself First Impressions (Practice!) – Eye contact!! – Start with a firm handshake – Warm smile/confident introduction Professional Pitch – Draft and practice Respond to Employer Questions – Tell me about yourself – Why do you want to work at XX or why did you select XX?

19. go.gwu.edu/career services Professional Pitch

20. go.gwu.edu/career services Practice My name is _____; I am a (class) in ___________ (major). _________ (company) interests me because___________. My experience/skills ) are in _______________________. I’m interested in ______ (position) at ______(company) because __________. I am interested in your company because ________(link research to professional interests). I saw that you do not have a position posted. Will opportunities be available in the future? Find a way to make yourself memorable if possible! My last employer said “________________” about me. Ask a question from company research about the firm>

21. go.gwu.edu/career services Ask Employers Questions What skills are seeking for the position? What are the day-to-day responsibilities? What are you looking for in a new employee? What are the organization’s plans for the future, or expansion, or new services?

22. go.gwu.edu/career services Do Not Ask Employers Do you sponsor? Do you sponsor H1-B visa students? Do you hire international students?

23. go.gwu.edu/career services Professional Attire DOs: Dark, clean pressed suit and shoes, hair of face, trimmed nails, portfolio for resumes – Women: 1” heels, option: skirt 3” above knee, tucked blouse, simple jewelry – Men: Ties, belts, colored socks, consider clean shave, tucked button down shirt DON’TS: Distracting jewelry, heavy perfume or after shave, poor hygiene or grooming – Women: 3” heels, short skirts, excessive make up, – Men: White socks, hiking boots or sports shoes, silly ties

24. go.gwu.edu/career services Your Visa Status US work eligibility, www.gwu.edu/isowww.gwu.edu/iso Consider Options – On campus employment – CPT: Curricular Practical Training/ Internship – OPT: Optional Practical Training – H-1B: Sponsorship for employment authorization

25. go.gwu.edu/career services Your Visa Status Reveal visa status to employer Respond honestly about immigration status/work authorization eligibility when asked. Ensure topic is discussed prior to end of interview process so employer is informed prior to hiring decision.

26. go.gwu.edu/career services Day of the Fair Check In: 22 nd Street entrance Receive nametag and map Observe/Listen to Fair (Noise, Big, 2000+) Employer tables and signs One table for each employer (100+ employers) – Target your top employers

27. go.gwu.edu/career services More Day of Fair Career Fair Prep Room – Employer research – Practice pitch with professionals “Rock My Profile” (for seniors only, please) at LinkedIn Photo Booth Free head shots at LinkedIn Photo Booth

28. go.gwu.edu/career services Career Fair Tips Arrive early. Do not wait. Relax/take breaks. Visit Prep Room. Do not travel in packs Engage employers in conversation Request action Ask for business cards and follow up

29. go.gwu.edu/career services Career Fair Tips

30. go.gwu.edu/career services After Review employer materials Send thank you emails within 24 hours Apply online, per employer conversation Maintain connections via social media – Follow organization on Twitter – Follow individual on LinkedIn

31. go.gwu.edu/career services Evaluate Today’s Program Check iPhone for link to program evaluation Have you learned from the program today? – I have learned more about myself. – I have learned more about connecting with employers. – I have learned more about how to be a professional. Comments & Ideas

32. go.gwu.edu/career services GW's International Student Career Ambassador (ISCA) Program provides peer-to-peer career advising for all international students, including graduate/professional students across all degree programs. Drop-in hours: Monday - Thursday:* 10:00 am -7:00 pm (*Except Tuesday 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm), Friday:10:00 am - 4:00 pm Science and Engineering Hall (22nd & H Streets Entrance) Resource Rooms #1230 and #1240

33. go.gwu.edu/career services Good Luck at the Fair Visit the Career Prep Room at the Career Fair & Meet with Center for Career Services staff to practice your professional pitch!

34. go.gwu.edu/career services Colonial Crossroads, Marvin Center 505 Careerservices.gwu.edu gwcareercenter@gwu.edu 202.994.6495 Questions? Connect & engage with the GW Center for Career Services

35. go.gwu.edu/career services Brief Introduction Connect with employer – Smile, Shake, Eye, Greet Smile Extend hand. Firm grip. Shake. Make eye contact Hello, my name is Barack Obama. I am the President of the United States. I am pleased to meet you