To support Redbird success, Career Services is hosting the Spring Internship and Career Fair on February 18, from 10–2 p.m. in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center.
The Spring Internship and Career Fair allows Redbirds to meet with employers from a variety of organizations, learn about their companies, gather information, and learn about their hiring processes.
“Career fairs are important for our students to attend. They allow them a chance to practice networking and provide them the ability to meet and learn about many companies, first-hand, all in one place,” said Natalie Alexander, Career Services associate director.
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.
“These organizations not only represent a variety of industries, but they are looking for a variety of majors as well,” said Andee Radliff, Career Services assistant director. “Students from all areas of interest are encouraged to attend to discuss options and opportunities, even with those employers who are not directly in their major.”
Not only does the fair connect recruiters with students and alumni seeking full-time positions but the fair also connects employers with students interested in internship opportunities.
Value of internships
Internships allow students to work in a professional environment, gain real-world professional experience, explore careers, and make professional connections. Internships are essential for career readiness and career development.
“Internships allow students to utilize their skills, gain experience, and show employers how they perform in the workplace,” said Debbie Ungson-Walbert, Career Services career advisor. “In many cases, internships and part-time positions have turned into full-time employment.”
Fair preparation
To help students prepare for the fair, Career Services is hosting the InstaCareer on February 9, from 4–7 p.m. in the Bone Student Center. Students can get tips for their job search from employers within a variety of industries to help build their confidence and achieve career success. Participants will rotate through various sessions on the basics of how to make a great first impression, why researching employers is important and how to do it, how to properly shake hands and pitch to employers, and how to incorporate your skills and experiences into your pitch.
Here are additional tips to help Redbirds prepare for the fair:
- Check out the list of employers attending the Spring Internship and Career Fair and select those you most want to meet. Be sure to visit their website to learn more about them and their open positions.
- Construct an effective resume. Then, connect with Career Services during drop-in hours or Late-night Resume Reviews for feedback.
- Connect with your career advisor for help on how to describe yourself and answer other common employer questions.
- Check out the Tips for Getting Ready for the Career Fair video to help you be successful at the career fair.
Make a good first impression
To help students make a lasting impression, Career Services provides free business cards to distribute to employers when meeting them. Redbirds can also print their resumes on free resume paper available through Career Services in the Career Resource Hub in the Bone Student Center. In addition, attendees should consider wearing a suit or other professional attire. Professional headshot photos are available free to Illinois State students during this fair from 10:30 a.m.– 2 p.m.
The spring semester is going by fast. Attend the Spring Internship and Career Fair to jumpstart your career goals and achieve career success.
Career Services assists all Illinois State University students with developing, evaluating, and implementing career decisions.
