To support Redbird career success, Career Services is hosting the Spring Internship Fair on Thursday, February 3, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center. Recruiters from a number of industries are a registered to attend including local organizations and nonprofit agencies who are eager to meet new professionals for their internship positions.
“These organizations not only represent a variety of industries, but they are looking for a variety of majors as well,” said Andee Radliff, Career Services assistant director for employer relations. “Students from all areas of interest are encouraged to attend to discuss options and opportunities, even with those employers who are not directly in their major. Students can learn about opportunities that relate to their fields of study, or just to connect with employers to start building professional connections.”
Value of internships
Internships are an essential to not only career readiness, but also to career development. “Internships allow students to utilize their skills, gain experience, and show employers how they perform in the workplace,” said Career Advisor Debbie Ungson-Walbert. “In many cases, internships and part-time positions have turned into full-time employment.”
Fair preparation
To help students prepare for the fair, Career Services is hosting a virtual InstaCareer on January 25. Attendees will learn how to introduce themselves to employers, how to make a good first impression, how to dress appropriately, and how to research and follow up with employers after career events.
Here are additional tips on how to prepare for the fair:
- Research employers—Review the list of employers registered for the fair a few weeks before by visiting Hire-A-Redbird or the Spring Internship Fair. Identify which employers to visit at the fair and check out the employers’ websites so you know more about them before meeting. This will help to answer the popular question, “What do you know about our organization?”
- Create a Hire-A-Redbird profile—This job vacancy tool allows you to register for the fair and lets employers know you’re attending. You can also post your résumé into résumés books for employers to take a sneak peek, and apply for openings ahead of time.
- Develop a 30 second summary—Identify how you’ll discuss your professional skills, experience, and interests so you can answer the question, “Can you tell me about yourself?”
- Identify your answers to frequently asked questions—Visit Hire-A-Redbird for the Career Resource Guide, which has sample questions that are commonly asked by employers.
Make a good first impression
Students attending the Spring Internship Fair should present themselves as professionals. A few weeks before the fair, order free business cards to distribute to employers when meeting them in-person. After participating in a résumé review, print your résumé on free paper available at the Career Resource Hub, located on the second floor of the Bone Student Center. To make a great first impression, attendees are also encouraged to wear a suit or other industry appropriate attire to the fair.
Career Services mission is to assist all Illinois State University students with developing, evaluating, and implementing career decisions, and supports Illinois State University’s Educate ● Connect ● Elevate strategic plan.
