Internship & Career Fair Tips - Career Services - Pathways Center: Wartburg College

Career & Internship Fair Tips

Prior to the fair research employers attending
• View the list of organizations that have registered on the website
• Research their web sites to understand the company and employment opportunities

Begin With A Self-Assessment
• Determine what kind of experience you want to get out of your internship/employment
• Decide the type organization you want to work for
• Determine your geographic & financial needs for an internship/full-time employment

Prepare your Resume
• Visit the Career Services in the Pathways Center to view samples of resumes
• Work with a Peer to review or revise your resume. Call 8615 to schedule an appointment or stop by at any time to work with a Peer.

Identify a list of potential employers
• List reasons you would like to work for them
• Prioritize these employers

Prepare a 30 second sales pitch about yourself
• Introduce yourself
• Explain why you are interested in their organization
• Explain why you would be a good fit (talk about skills, experience, etc.)
• Develop questions to ask (questions which demonstrate your knowledge of the organization)

Practice Interviewing
Schedule an appointment to practice interviewing skills with Derek in Career Services or stop by for handouts on interviewing tips. You can also review our online interviewing and Questions video at http://www.wartburg.edu/careers/sye.html

The Day of the Event
• Present yourself to the recruiter (Shake hands and make eye contact)
• Give them your best sales pitch
• Present your resume (with a customized career objective)
• Ask questions and listen to the recruiter – don't dominate the conversation
• Ask for their business card

NOTE: If the recruiter is not interviewing for your specific position - ask for their help (a contact name, how to approach, next steps…).

AFTER THE FAIR: Find a quiet spot to review your experience

Write thank you letters within 48 hours after the event. Let them know you were excited about meeting them and that you are interested in their organization. This positive approach can make a difference in the future.