Classes may have just begun, but it’s never too soon to work on your career plans. Illinois State Redbirds interested in obtaining an internship are invited to attend the Career Center’s Fall Internship Fair on Tuesday, September 19, from 4-7 p.m., in the Bone Student Center.
Over 75 organizations are attending. Employers represent a number of industries, including Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, local businesses, hospitals, and government agencies; and most are interested in students from any major. American Family Insurance, the American Red Cross, Bloomington Thunder, CDW, Jewel-Osco, the Normal Police Department, and Palace Events are just a few of the organizations already registered.
According to Career Center Internship Manager Debbie Ungson-Walbert, internships are essential to a student’s career: “Most employers seek candidates who have gained some experience. Internships are an excellent way for students to do just that. They also allow students opportunities to develop their skills, apply what they learned in the classroom, and explore possible careers. Plus, many organizations use internships as a way to gain a firsthand look at possible candidates for their full-time openings. They are a win-win for students and employers.”
Fair Preparation
Leading up to the Fall Internship Fair, students can prepare themselves by making an appointment with their career advisor, or by stopping by the Career Center during drop-in hours for a quick resume review or interviewing tips.
The Career Center will also host Late-night Resume Reviews from 9-11 p.m. on September 12 and 13 on the third floor of Milner Library. These review sessions, like drop-in hours, give students the opportunity to receive constructive feedback on their resumes from trained peer ambassadors to help prepare them for success at the fair.
“Attendees should also review the list of employers attending our career fairs and research them before the event so they are familiar with the organizations, see if they are a good fit, and to be able to answer employer questions effectively,” said Mike Minton, Career Center associate director for Student Relations. A complete list of employers attending the fairs and details about them are available on the Career Center website, through Hire-A-Redbird, and by downloading the Careers by Symplicity app available for free through the App Store or Google Play.
Students attending the fair need to bring their Redbird ID card and plenty of copies of their resume, and are encouraged to dress in professional attire. Students can also order free business cards to distribute to employers and print out their resume on free resume paper through the Career Center.
The Career Center supports Illinois State University’s Educating Illinois strategic plan by assisting students with developing, evaluating and/or implementing career, education, and employment decisions.
For more information or special accommodations, contact the Career Center.
