Navigating the Spring Career Fairs: A Student’s Guide
With the Spring Career Fairs approaching, here are some tips to gear up to meet potential employers, seek internships, and explore job opportunities. Hosted by the Career Center, these fairs are a critical step in your professional journey. Whether you’re a freshman looking to explore or a senior seeking a post-graduation position, preparation is key. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of the upcoming Spring Career Fairs.
- Research Participating Employers – Start by reviewing the list of employers attending the fair. Prioritize companies based on your career interests and conduct thorough research on them. Understand their mission, values, recent projects, and job openings. This knowledge will not only help tailor your resume but also enable you to ask insightful questions during your interactions.
- Update Your Resume – Your resume should reflect your achievements, skills, and experiences relevant to the roles you’re interested in. Make sure it’s up-to-date and tailored to the companies you’re most interested in. Take advantage of the Career Fair Resume Prep Week from Monday, Feb. 26 – Thursday, Feb. 29, anytime between noon and 3 p.m. and meet with Career Center’s career coaches for resume reviews and networking tips leading up to the Friday all major Spring Career Fair! Prepare yourself with one-on-one resume review sessions, group networking tip sessions and workshops.
- Elevator Pitch – An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you can use to spark interest in what you do. Prepare a concise yet compelling pitch highlighting your background, skills, and career goals. Practice it until you’re comfortable delivering it naturally.
- Dress for Success – First impressions matter. Dress professionally, even for virtual fairs, as it conveys your seriousness about the opportunities. For in-person events, ensure your attire is clean, pressed, and appropriate for a professional setting.
- Leverage Workshops hosted by the Career Center – The Career Center hosts various workshops throughout the year to help students prepare for future interviews, resume building, and so much more! These workshops can provide valuable insights into what companies are looking for, how to stand out, and the latest industry trends.
- Practice Interview Skills – Utilize the Career Center’s mock interview resources. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching or online platforms, practicing your interview skills can significantly boost your confidence. Learn how to articulate your experiences, answer common interview questions, and engage in a professional dialogue
- Stay Positive and Persistent – Finally, approach the career fairs with a positive attitude. Not every conversation will lead to an opportunity, but each interaction is a chance to network and learn. Be persistent and keep an open mind about the possibilities.
Preparing for a career fair can seem daunting, but with the right resources and a strategic approach, you can navigate it successfully. Utilize the services offered by the Career Center and be sure to register for the upcoming spring career fairs here!
For more information on the upcoming fairs and learn about the many resources the Career Center has to offer, visit the Career Center website or contact them directly at career@cpp.edu.
Latest News Stories
- Cal Poly Pomona Named Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. ScholarsCal Poly Pomona has been recognized as a 2023-24 U.S. Fulbright Scholar Top Producing Institution for STEM Fields and a Top Producing Institution of U.S. Fulbright Scholars among master’s-granting universities. In addition, the university has the special distinction of having the highest number of U.S. Scholars in this classification this academic year. The Fulbright U.S. Scholars program is an international academic exchange of scholars and professionals founded to increase mutual understanding and to support friendly relations between people from the United States and other countries. It is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Cal Poly Pomona’s four current U.S. Fulbright Scholars and their …
- ‘Sum of Us’ Author Calls for Campus Community to Hammer at InjusticeAuthor Heather McGhee enjoyed working as a public policy wonk, looking through data spreadsheets and trying to come up solutions to economic problems. She often appeared on television news shows and before Congress to advocate for those solutions. However, in 2017, she came to a realization. The way she was trying to solve the crisis of economic inequality wasn’t bearing fruit. “The inertia of inequality was getting worse,” McGhee said. “I made a decision to hit the road and pursue a journey that would take me across the country.” Out of that journey came McGhee’s New York Times bestselling book, “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How …
- In Memoriam: Conrad NewberryConrad Newberry, a professor emeritus who taught in the College of Engineering for more than two decades, died peacefully Jan. 3 with his family by his side. He was 92. Newberry began teaching aeronautical engineering at Cal Poly Pomona in 1964 and retired in 1989. He served as a mentor to students and professors. Carl Rathmann, former associate dean and interim dean of the college, recalled fond memories of his friend and colleague. Newberry championed the graduate program in the College of Engineering and established an off-campus master’s degree program in partnership with Northrop Corp. “He seemed to know everyone in the California aerospace community, and I would frequently call …
- Want to Make a Difference? The U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services is HiringDid you know that the work of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) touches the lives of every person in the nation? The department will be on campus in late February to recruit Cal Poly Pomona students and alumni for jobs. Think about the last food you consumed, cosmetics you applied or medication you were prescribed — they all likely contain ingredients that are approved and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) led the nation’s response efforts. If you know someone who is struggling with substance use or suffering from mental illness, you …
- NSF I-Corps Elevates Innovation Through Mini-Credential ProgramCal Poly Pomona’s NSF I-Corps provides an opportunity for participants to enhance their innovative concepts and projects through its Mini-Credential Program. This initiative represents a pivotal evolution from a basic short course to a more expansive program designed to transform research, products, startups, technology and creative ideas into market successes. This complimentary 10-week asynchronous program is committed to assisting participants in converting their research into marketable commercial offerings. It is open to faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community entrepreneurs, offering a dynamic, cooperative educational atmosphere. The initiative is inclusive, encouraging all ambitious individuals and entrepreneurs who aim to excel in their fields. The program offers guidance on:Preparing your …
- University Hosts Assembly Candidate ForumCal Poly Pomona hosted a candidate forum for candidates of California’s 53rd Assembly District, which includes the cities of Pomona and Montclair, as well as portions of Ontario, Chino and Upland. Four of five candidates on the March 5 primary ballot — Carlos Goytia, Javier Hernandez, Robert Torres and Nick Wilson — discussed a variety of issues, including state budget priorities, promoting economic growth in the district, providing resources to undocumented individuals, and addressing the mental health crisis in California and the region. Over 100 people attended the Feb. 9 event virtually and in-person, which was moderated by Jill Hargis, interim associate vice president for Faculty Affairs at Cal …