Freshmen: Many reasons for you to attend Thursday's Career Fair

MYTHS ABOUT THE CAREER FAIR

Myth: Employers at the fair are interested in only engineers and business majors.

Truth: The fair is open to all majors. We encourage you to scan the list of companies and nonprofits scheduled to attend. You'll notice that many seek all majors for openings.

Myth: There aren’t any jobs available at the fair.

Truth: Many students have received follow-up calls after talking with employers and leaving behind a well-crafted resume. Quite a few companies come back to campus in the weeks after a Career Fair to conduct interviews for internships, part-time and full-time jobs.

Myth: Once I give an employer a resume, my job is over.

Truth: Career Center professionals encourage students who are interesting in a company to ask for a business card. A few days later, students should follow-up with a phone call or e-mail.

TYPICALLY, juniors and seniors pack the biannual All Campus Career Fairs, but first-year students are also encouraged to suit up and attend Thursday's fair.

More than 100 employers — big, small and nonprofit — are expected. They will talk with students about internship, and part- and full-time positions. The event is free, but attendees must be in business attire and should have resumes in hand. No advanced registration is required.

“This will be the first Career Fair where we have what we are calling 'freshman-friendly' employers,” said Mike Kulick, the associate director of the Career Center.

Freshman-friendly employers are willing to chat with freshman about their career plans, and answer students' questions about career paths for any major.

What if students are undecided on their major?

Choosing a major can be a hard process for students. Many factors play into the choice of a major, including the potential for career advancement.

“Students may think, 'Well, if I pick this major, will there be opportunities when I graduate?'" said Kulick. "The Career Fair is a great time to explore such things."

And just because you know the name of the company does not mean you know all types of professionals it seeks.

“We were talking with American Greetings last week," Kulick said, "and they hire music students to put their jingles together.”

About the Career Fair:

When: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21

Location: Student Union ballroom

Open to: Students of all majors and alumni

Cost: Free

Registration: Not required

Dress: Business dress is required. You should also have a resume in hand.

 Story by Tyeal Howell