On Feb. 26, the winter semester Career & Internship Fair will be held at the DeVos Place Convention Center. from 1-5 p.m. Whether students are interested in a full-time job, an internship or simply establishing business connections, a GVSU Career Fair is a typical place to start. With hundreds of employers in attendance, many students will find that visiting is well worth their time and effort.

“The Career & Internship Fair is for students of all ages, even freshman,” said Kristie Scanlon, the Employer Relations Coordinator for the Career Center. “It’s a great opportunity for underclassmen to seek out part-time and seasonal opportunities, or just learn more about what types of jobs and industries are hiring people for the majors they are considering.”

Before attending, there are a few things every student should do to make sure they get the best out of the experience. Preparing a self-introduction and a strong resume are essential, but even more important is research. A full listing of participating employers can be found at gvsu.edu/careers/wintercf20.

“The more information you can gather beforehand, the more successful the job fair is going to be for you,” Scanlon said. “Figure out which organizations you are interested in and spend time doing some research on them.”

Of course, there are also important things that students do while they are there. At every Career Fair an “Ask Me Table,” located just outside the Exhibit Hall, is run by career advisers as well as faculty and staff. They run the booth in order to answer any questions a student might have, especially for finding interesting employers.

“Take the time to talk to employers to get additional information about their career opportunities and make a strong impression,” Scanlon said. “Don’t be shy in asking for their business card for follow up. And be sure to bring multiple copies of your resume on professional resume paper.”

Those interested should come dressed in professional business attire, and refrain from bringing gum and beverages. It is even suggested to leave your cell phone at home or keep it in your pocket. Employers are looking for people who are dedicated, can stay on task and show interest in a professional way. As a final tip, make sure to follow-up. Take advantage of the technology we have today, and utilize sites like LinkedIn to maintain connections.

“It’s okay to be nervous, but know that we have a full team of Career Advisers and GVSU faculty and staff who are on site and ready to assist you,” Scanlon said.  “We are there to help and want every student to have a positive interaction.”