The Career Center is pleased to connect Illinois State students and alumni with employers at its annual spring career fairs. Recruiters from all industries, including Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and others will be attending to recruit Illinois State talent for their open positions.
Illinois State’s spring fairs will be held at the Bone Student Center and include:
- Spring Internship Fair, February 2, 4–7 p.m.
- Construction Management Fair, February 9, 1–4 p.m.
- Spring Career Fair, February 21, 4–7 p.m.
- Education Career Fair, February 28, 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Just before the fairs
To help students prepare, the Career Center is hosting InstaCareer, a career preparation session in which participants rotate through various stations to learn first-hand from recruiters how to introduce themselves well to employers, how to make a good first impression, how to dress appropriately, and how to best research and follow-up with employers after career events.
Two sessions will be held for students on January 31 and February 14 from 4–7 p.m. in the Bone Student Center. Sessions will have different presenters but will cover the same information to all attendees.
Students considering or seeking internships are invited to attend Ins and Outs of Internships, held just before the Spring Internship Fair starts. A panel of students who have participated in successful internships will share about their experiences, and a panel of employers who have internship programs will share why internships are valuable and how such an experience can enhance and/or lead to full-time employment. Reservations are required to attend.
The Career Center is also hosting the Student Leader Reception right before the Spring Career Fair for students who are actively engaged in a Registered Student Organization (RSO), campus service program, or who are active in their community. Students from all majors, class standing, and involvement are invited to meet employers who are seeking their initiative and leadership experience. Reservations are required to attend this event as well.
Students seeking employment at the Education Career Fair are invited to attend Hiring Tips for Education Majors on February 27. Attendees will learn from a panel of school administrators what sets applicants apart when reviewing resumes and cover letters, general expectations of them at career fairs, how to complete online applications, and how the districts manage job offers. All class standings and content areas are encouraged to attend.
Fair preparation resources
In addition to the fair preparation events, the Career Center also provides a number of other resources to help students and alumni to prepare for connecting with employers.
- Career Resource Guide – a booklet filled with helpful tips and advice such as how to construct an effective resume/CV and cover letter, commonly asked interview questions,and more.
- Drop-in hours and Late-night Resume/LinkedIn Reviews – available for quick feedback or helpful tips from trained Career Center representatives.
- Career fair video – with helpful tips when attending a fair, and a video from an Illinois State career fair that displays what a fair is like and useful tips when attending.
- Illinois State University App – visit your app store, search for the official Illinois State University App, then download the Career Center Guide to view a list of employers attending and the fairs, scan their open positions, and see where they are located at the fair.
- Resume paper and printing, and business cards are also available for free to current Illinois State students to help them put their best foot forward at the fair.
- Social media – join the Career Center on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for fair updates and helpful preparation tips.
For more information or to request special accommodations, contact the Career Center.
