91探花

Start planning your future now at the Career and Life Planning job and internship fair on Tues., Feb. 8. The fair will be held from 3–6 p.m. in the Cannon Student Center and will feature businesses from all over the area recruiting full-time, part-time, volunteer, and internship positions.

The fair will feature 44 employers with almost 100 representatives spanning all the way from Lack’s Beach Service, an on-the-beach tourism company in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to local staples like Ensemble Stage and Artisanal Restaurant located right here in Banner Elk. 

The fair will even feature some Bobcat-owned businesses whose owners are eager to work with students from their own alma mater. 

All Lees-91探花 students and alumni are invited to attend and take advantage of this networking event. Attendees are encouraged to wear professional dress and bring multiple copies of their resume, as this is an excellent opportunity to make professional connections of all kinds.

“We have some healthcare companies that are coming to recruit nurses, and some schools that are coming to recruit teachers, but we also have Artisanal Restaurant who is coming to recruit servers and hosts,” Associate Dean for STEP and Career and Life Planning Grace Champion said. “This is an event for students looking for career opportunities post-grad, as well as first-year students looking for a part-time job.”

According to Champion, some students find it difficult to network or take that leap into job applications, and she encourages those students to take advantage of this event.

“A lot of students are nervous to bother someone; they want a job, but they’re too nervous to promote themselves or their skills, so this is an opportunity where they know that these employers are wanting to talk to them,” Champion said.

Selling Yourself: The best ways to prepare

The employers at the fair are offering real opportunities, and they are ready to hire, making this a great way for students to get their foot in the door. Even students who are not looking for work at the moment can learn valuable interview and professional skills at the fair. Take advantage of this low-risk, high-reward opportunity by being prepared. 

First, check out the who will be in attendance, and browse Handshake for more information on what they are looking for. It is important to do research on any company you are interviewing for, and this situation is no different. Make a list of those you are particularly interested in and come prepared with questions. Remember, a job fair is a conversational environment, and this is a great opportunity to ask questions of potential employers.

Not only is it important for the employer to make sure you are right for the position, but it is just as important to make sure the position is right for you. Here are examples of some of the questions to ask:

• What kinds of skills and experience do you look for in the employees you hire?
• Which courses or experiences are necessary for a successful candidate in this position?
• What are the most important values of your company?
• What does a typical day in this position look like?
• What do I need to do to arrange a second interview?

Doing your research and being prepared with questions is a great way to make a positive and memorable first impression. Find more questions and tips for preparedness .

Building a strong resume

Just as vital as being prepared is having a comprehensive and professional resume on hand. Be sure to bring multiple copies of your resume to give to any employers you are interested in.

Not only will a strong resume display your professionalism and experience, but it also ensures that potential employers have a means of contacting you in the case of questions, follow-up interviews, and potential job offers. 

Resumes should be neat and professional, and sentences should be short and concise while still conveying the necessary information. According to Champion, getting your resume just right can be tricky, but luckily she is here to help. Career and Life Planning has published a Career Guide with detailed information for every stage of the job-search process. Browse the Career Guide online or pick up a physical copy from Champion’s office in the Burton Center for Student Success.

Take advantage of all the resources Lees-91探花 has to offer and make the most of the job/internship fair on Feb. 8.