The second annual Career Fair for Graduating Students at the University of Colorado at Boulder will be held Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the University Memorial Center Glenn Miller Ballroom.
More than 90 organizations are looking for graduates from all majors. Liberal arts students, as well as business and engineering students, are encouraged to attend. The fair is free and open to CU students and alumni only. No registration is necessary.
According to Lynne Boyle, assistant director of Career Services, the Fair is one of the most important events of the year for seniors who are serious about finding a job after graduation. Last year more than 2,000 people attended the fair and more are expected this year.
Career Services offers several presentations and services to help candidates approach an organization to find out what needs they might have including resume critiquing, video practice interviews and a session called "How to Get the Most from Attending a Career/Internship Fair." A session called "Jump Start Your Job Search!" will be held on Saturday, Jan. 23, in the UMC Forum Room.
The presentations are free for CU students and alumni until six months after graduation. After that the fee for alumni is $5. A Career Vacancies and Resume Referral service is now available to alumni for an additional fee.
"Colorado is experiencing a strong hiring trend, " said Boyle. "Overall the job market is good, even though the overseas market crashes are having an effect on some local businesses."
So many employers signed up for the Career Fair that the event is now filled and there is a waiting list for organizations. Some of the companies represented at the fair will include Andersen Consulting, Up With People, the U.S. Department of State, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, GTE, Microsoft and Sun Microsystems.
Each business also has different divisions outside of their specialty such as human resources and accounting, and candidates are encouraged to inquire about these areas as well.
For more information on Career Services programs and services, call 303-492-6541, or visit the web site at .
Following are suggestions from Career Services counselors for students on how to approach employers to find out about their organizations and existing opportunities.
Prior to the Fair:
o Understand how your skills (or the ones you want to develop) relate to employment opportunities. Career Services can help you. Call for a counseling appointment at 303-492-6541.
o Compose a well-written resume to bring to the Career Fair. You may want to develop more than one version of your resume based on the career options you are considering. Career Services has resume presentations and appointments available with counselors who can critique your resume.
o View the 15-minute "How to Attend a Job Fair Video" available through Career Services.
o Avoid confusion the day of the fair by gathering information about employers attending the fair who you would like to approach. Consult the Career Services library in Willard Administrative Center or the website.
The Day of the Fair:
o You don't need to wear a suit or professional dress to a Career Fair, but do try to dress better than a T-shirt and jeans.
o Take the initiative to approach recruiters, even though they are actively recruiting other majors. Employers appreciate candidates who are confident in their approach.
o Ask questions to gain information about opportunities that may be of interest to you. For example, ask what opportunities exist in the organization for someone with your major.
o Seek help from Career Services counselors to determine how to use the information you gathered at the Career Fair.