8 answers
Elizabeth
Student
Chester Springs, Pennsylvania
3
Questions
Asked
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Have you attended any career fairs or networking events? Were they helpful?
I am a sophomore psychology student hoping to gain insight on possible career paths, but am unsure if networking events are worth going to.
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8 answers
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
338
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth, this is an excellent question and you have received sound advice from Iryna. I would add / reiterate:
- Be strategic about the events you attend. A general career fair or networking event generally is going to be less helpful (unless you just want to learn about different organizations) than one targeted to your profession.
- Have realistic expectations. Generally, your interactions are going to be shorter in a large event so you will get less information and opportunity to establish rapport.
- Networking groups (versus one-off events) give you more of an opportunity to get to know each other, providing more usable information and support. If there isn't one in your field on campus, maybe you could create one?
Good luck!
- Be strategic about the events you attend. A general career fair or networking event generally is going to be less helpful (unless you just want to learn about different organizations) than one targeted to your profession.
- Have realistic expectations. Generally, your interactions are going to be shorter in a large event so you will get less information and opportunity to establish rapport.
- Networking groups (versus one-off events) give you more of an opportunity to get to know each other, providing more usable information and support. If there isn't one in your field on campus, maybe you could create one?
Good luck!
Cliff Schreier
33
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Cliff’s Answer
Elizabeth,
To answer your question, YES! Career fairs are very important for you to attend. As an engineer, I don't know a lot about your major, but I think this all still applies. There are a number of benefits:
1. You get to see what companies are hiring for your specialty. You might be very surprised as to who hires for your major. You can do your research beforehand at the career services for your school as they likely have all that information before the event.
2. You get to TALK to recruiters and show them your resume. They can tell you what they are looking for in a strong candidate so you can be prepared for future career fairs and hiring opportunities. Ask for honest feedback and build your skills and resume based on their feedback.
3. You can check out internship/co-op opportunities: These are GREAT for you to help refine exactly what kind of a role you want for a career. Even if you do an internship and hate it, it helps you decide better on your career and it's not a long-term commitment.
4. It's great for networking. You meet peers and potential future colleagues.
5. I think career fairs are exciting, and you can get free merch from all the companies who are hiring!
6. Finally, so you might miss out on a class or two - your professors know how important it is and they will likely be lenient (unless you have a test).
So, YES, attend career fairs in both the fall and spring as the players/opportunities might change.
It's great that you're looking into this as a sophomore - some people wait until right before they graduate but many jobs may already be taken by then.
Go for it!
Thanks.
To answer your question, YES! Career fairs are very important for you to attend. As an engineer, I don't know a lot about your major, but I think this all still applies. There are a number of benefits:
1. You get to see what companies are hiring for your specialty. You might be very surprised as to who hires for your major. You can do your research beforehand at the career services for your school as they likely have all that information before the event.
2. You get to TALK to recruiters and show them your resume. They can tell you what they are looking for in a strong candidate so you can be prepared for future career fairs and hiring opportunities. Ask for honest feedback and build your skills and resume based on their feedback.
3. You can check out internship/co-op opportunities: These are GREAT for you to help refine exactly what kind of a role you want for a career. Even if you do an internship and hate it, it helps you decide better on your career and it's not a long-term commitment.
4. It's great for networking. You meet peers and potential future colleagues.
5. I think career fairs are exciting, and you can get free merch from all the companies who are hiring!
6. Finally, so you might miss out on a class or two - your professors know how important it is and they will likely be lenient (unless you have a test).
So, YES, attend career fairs in both the fall and spring as the players/opportunities might change.
It's great that you're looking into this as a sophomore - some people wait until right before they graduate but many jobs may already be taken by then.
Go for it!
Thanks.
Iryna Tam
Writer, copywriter
132
Answers
Hagerstown, Maryland
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth!
Аattending career fairs and networking events can be beneficial, especially for a psychology student like you.
Benefits of Attending Career Fairs and Networking Events
Exposure to Opportunities:
Career fairs often feature a variety of employers from different sectors, including mental health, education, research, and human resources. This exposure can help you learn about job openings, internships, and volunteer opportunities tailored to psychology.
Networking:
Networking events allow you to connect with professionals in the field. Building relationships can lead to mentorship opportunities, job references, and insider knowledge about the industry.
Learning About Career Paths:
You can gain insights into different career paths available with a psychology degree. Speaking with professionals can help clarify which areas of psychology interest you and provide you with information on required qualifications.
Resume Building:
Many events offer workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and personal branding. Attending these sessions can enhance your job application materials and interview preparedness.
Skill Development:
Engaging in discussions and practicing your communication skills in a professional setting can improve your confidence and effectiveness in networking and interviews.
Getting Industry Insights:
You can learn about current trends, challenges, and advancements in psychology or related fields, helping you stay informed and relevant in your studies and future career.
Tips for Attending Career Fairs and Networking Events
Prepare Your Elevator Pitch: Have a brief introduction ready that summarizes who you are, what you study, and your career interests.
Bring Your Resume: Have copies of your resume to hand out to potential employers or contacts.
Dress Professionally: A professional appearance can make a positive impression on recruiters and peers.
Ask Questions: Be curious and prepare questions to ask professionals about their career paths, experiences, and advice.
Follow Up: After the event, connect with people you met through LinkedIn or email. Express appreciation for their time and insights.
Attending career fairs and networking events can be highly advantageous for a second-year psychology student. They provide invaluable opportunities to learn, connect, and explore potential career paths. If you have the chance, consider participating in these events to enhance your understanding of the psychology field and make professional connections.
Аattending career fairs and networking events can be beneficial, especially for a psychology student like you.
Benefits of Attending Career Fairs and Networking Events
Exposure to Opportunities:
Career fairs often feature a variety of employers from different sectors, including mental health, education, research, and human resources. This exposure can help you learn about job openings, internships, and volunteer opportunities tailored to psychology.
Networking:
Networking events allow you to connect with professionals in the field. Building relationships can lead to mentorship opportunities, job references, and insider knowledge about the industry.
Learning About Career Paths:
You can gain insights into different career paths available with a psychology degree. Speaking with professionals can help clarify which areas of psychology interest you and provide you with information on required qualifications.
Resume Building:
Many events offer workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and personal branding. Attending these sessions can enhance your job application materials and interview preparedness.
Skill Development:
Engaging in discussions and practicing your communication skills in a professional setting can improve your confidence and effectiveness in networking and interviews.
Getting Industry Insights:
You can learn about current trends, challenges, and advancements in psychology or related fields, helping you stay informed and relevant in your studies and future career.
Tips for Attending Career Fairs and Networking Events
Prepare Your Elevator Pitch: Have a brief introduction ready that summarizes who you are, what you study, and your career interests.
Bring Your Resume: Have copies of your resume to hand out to potential employers or contacts.
Dress Professionally: A professional appearance can make a positive impression on recruiters and peers.
Ask Questions: Be curious and prepare questions to ask professionals about their career paths, experiences, and advice.
Follow Up: After the event, connect with people you met through LinkedIn or email. Express appreciation for their time and insights.
Attending career fairs and networking events can be highly advantageous for a second-year psychology student. They provide invaluable opportunities to learn, connect, and explore potential career paths. If you have the chance, consider participating in these events to enhance your understanding of the psychology field and make professional connections.
Joshua Moore
Wireless Engineer
3
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
Career fairs are a wonderful way to build connections within the industry. I would advise to ask as many questions as possible with the folks representing the careers/industry/business you're interested in. Take notes, always listen to what others say about what they do (good or bad). You'll learn to filter out the bad and build on the good. Also, any type of field you're in, it's good to study and learn as much as possible prior to any type of interview. Find out the background of the company or individual. Write all of your thoughts down about what you know and have learned after the job fairs and learn to build your own layout of how things work.
John Kunney Jr.
Technical Writer
3
Answers
Reidsville, Georgia
Updated
John’s Answer
Dear Elizabeth,
Attending a career fair can be a worthwhile endeavor, though I must confess, my personal experiences haven't been particularly beneficial. Let me elaborate. I've participated in numerous career fairs, interacting with recruiters and company representatives. Yet, whenever I attempted to hand them my resume, they would direct me to their online job portals or career websites to apply instead.
This scenario led me to question the necessity of these events. Why attend a career fair when I could simply apply for the same positions on job platforms like LinkedIn, CareerBuilder, or Indeed? These websites function as daily career fairs, accessible from the comfort of your home. It's akin to choosing to shop online during a Black Friday sale rather than braving the crowds in-store.
Interestingly, I've found more success securing jobs online, often with companies reaching out to me first, compared to my experiences at career fairs. However, as I initially mentioned, there's no harm in giving career fairs a try. Your experience might be more fruitful than mine.
Attending a career fair can be a worthwhile endeavor, though I must confess, my personal experiences haven't been particularly beneficial. Let me elaborate. I've participated in numerous career fairs, interacting with recruiters and company representatives. Yet, whenever I attempted to hand them my resume, they would direct me to their online job portals or career websites to apply instead.
This scenario led me to question the necessity of these events. Why attend a career fair when I could simply apply for the same positions on job platforms like LinkedIn, CareerBuilder, or Indeed? These websites function as daily career fairs, accessible from the comfort of your home. It's akin to choosing to shop online during a Black Friday sale rather than braving the crowds in-store.
Interestingly, I've found more success securing jobs online, often with companies reaching out to me first, compared to my experiences at career fairs. However, as I initially mentioned, there's no harm in giving career fairs a try. Your experience might be more fruitful than mine.
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
278
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
Companies who do corporate social responsibility in some careers to organize career fairs and talent development programs. You can visit the website of such firms.
Some colleges do career advisory for their students through course counsellors. Why not try career counsellors or course advisors in your college?
Some educational programs are organized as webinars and other forms of outreach by educational institutions like collegeboard.com, City & Guilds and Pearson. Publishers of books like Taylor & Francis, Mc-Graw Hill, Cengage Learning, Wiley and more do course or career descriptions.
Professional organizations do career promotion events, such as career fairs and workshops to assist the public in appreciating and developing, assist in developing body of knowledge in certain careers. Why not try the review the study guide for your choice of career or the learning curriculum or the body of knowledge to gain keep re insight?
Some individual and organizations act as career ambassadors, mentors and sponsors in promotion certain professions as a cause. Some of them are foundations, volunteers, donors or partners that support students, early careers and educational institutions.
Peer networking such as student associations focused on various disciplines do encourage networking for career development.
You can learn learn more from career websites through their job descriptions and specifications. Betterman, LinkedIn, Monster, Indeed and others are good sources of such.
Some colleges do career advisory for their students through course counsellors. Why not try career counsellors or course advisors in your college?
Some educational programs are organized as webinars and other forms of outreach by educational institutions like collegeboard.com, City & Guilds and Pearson. Publishers of books like Taylor & Francis, Mc-Graw Hill, Cengage Learning, Wiley and more do course or career descriptions.
Professional organizations do career promotion events, such as career fairs and workshops to assist the public in appreciating and developing, assist in developing body of knowledge in certain careers. Why not try the review the study guide for your choice of career or the learning curriculum or the body of knowledge to gain keep re insight?
Some individual and organizations act as career ambassadors, mentors and sponsors in promotion certain professions as a cause. Some of them are foundations, volunteers, donors or partners that support students, early careers and educational institutions.
Peer networking such as student associations focused on various disciplines do encourage networking for career development.
You can learn learn more from career websites through their job descriptions and specifications. Betterman, LinkedIn, Monster, Indeed and others are good sources of such.
Tiffanie Rand (Lampasona), CDR, CIR
Recruiter
58
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Tiffanie’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth -
Attending a career fair offers great opportunities to network with potential employers, explore different industries, and learn about job openings all in one place. Networking is especially important in fields like psychology because it allows you to connect with professionals who can offer valuable insights into the industry, share advice, and even help you discover job opportunities that might not be advertised. Building these relationships can increase your chances of finding a job or gaining a deeper understanding of the field’s trends and challenges. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door and stay informed about your career path!
Attending a career fair offers great opportunities to network with potential employers, explore different industries, and learn about job openings all in one place. Networking is especially important in fields like psychology because it allows you to connect with professionals who can offer valuable insights into the industry, share advice, and even help you discover job opportunities that might not be advertised. Building these relationships can increase your chances of finding a job or gaining a deeper understanding of the field’s trends and challenges. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door and stay informed about your career path!
Diana Glauser
Sourcing Manager
1
Answer
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hello Elizabeth,
You've already received some excellent guidance, but I'd like to contribute my own insights as well. While my degree was in business and not your specific field, I believe there are universal aspects that apply. In essence, career fairs are indeed incredibly valuable, and here's why:
1) They provide a platform for interaction with recruiters and potential employers. This gives you a chance to refine your self-introduction and understand better what companies seek in prospective employees. It's also an excellent way to receive feedback on your resume and identify areas for improvement. As a recruiter for my company, I've always been more than willing to offer such feedback when approached by candidates.
2) They offer a fantastic networking platform. Companies often organize additional events alongside the career fair, such as information sessions. For instance, a company might host an informational "lunch and learn" on the same day as the career fair, providing you with more one-on-one time with companies you're interested in.
3) They grant access to extra preparation resources. Many universities conduct workshops on resume writing, interview preparation, appropriate attire, and more to ensure their students are well-prepared for the career fair. These workshops offer valuable tips and chances to enhance your skills.
4) They're not only beneficial for post-graduate careers but also for identifying internship opportunities. From my experience, having an internship related to your desired career or degree significantly boosts your chances when interviewing for full-time positions.
5) They can lead to full-time job opportunities. I landed my first job after college through my university's career fair, and many of my peers received their offers the same way.
6) They offer freebies (as Cliff pointed out). As a college student, it's always nice to get free pens, notebooks, snacks, and more.
As a sophomore, I highly recommend attending your university's career fairs. Wishing you the best of luck!
You've already received some excellent guidance, but I'd like to contribute my own insights as well. While my degree was in business and not your specific field, I believe there are universal aspects that apply. In essence, career fairs are indeed incredibly valuable, and here's why:
1) They provide a platform for interaction with recruiters and potential employers. This gives you a chance to refine your self-introduction and understand better what companies seek in prospective employees. It's also an excellent way to receive feedback on your resume and identify areas for improvement. As a recruiter for my company, I've always been more than willing to offer such feedback when approached by candidates.
2) They offer a fantastic networking platform. Companies often organize additional events alongside the career fair, such as information sessions. For instance, a company might host an informational "lunch and learn" on the same day as the career fair, providing you with more one-on-one time with companies you're interested in.
3) They grant access to extra preparation resources. Many universities conduct workshops on resume writing, interview preparation, appropriate attire, and more to ensure their students are well-prepared for the career fair. These workshops offer valuable tips and chances to enhance your skills.
4) They're not only beneficial for post-graduate careers but also for identifying internship opportunities. From my experience, having an internship related to your desired career or degree significantly boosts your chances when interviewing for full-time positions.
5) They can lead to full-time job opportunities. I landed my first job after college through my university's career fair, and many of my peers received their offers the same way.
6) They offer freebies (as Cliff pointed out). As a college student, it's always nice to get free pens, notebooks, snacks, and more.
As a sophomore, I highly recommend attending your university's career fairs. Wishing you the best of luck!