To support Redbird career success, Career Services is hosting the following fairs this semester for students and alumni to identify internship experiences and career opportunities.
Spring Internship Fair
The Spring Internship Fair on Thursday, February 9, is in the Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom. It connects Redbirds with employers from a variety of organizations to learn about their internship experiences.
Spring Career Fair
The Spring Career Fair on Tuesday, February 21, is also in the Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom. During the fair, students and alumni connect with employers who are seeking candidates for their full-time positions.
Education Career Fair
The Education Career Fair on Thursday, March 2, connects school administrators, superintendents, and other employers from the field of education seeking student teachers and candidates in education and related fields. Although student teaching placements are arranged through the Ceclia J. Lauby Teacher Education Center, all students in education are encouraged to participate in this fair to learn more about school districts.
Virtual Internship and Career Fair
The Virtual Internship and Career Fair on Wednesday, March 8, allows Redbirds to connect virtually with employers seeking to fill their internships or full-time positions.
“Career fairs are important for Redbirds to attend. They allow them a chance to connect with an organization and its employees before applying. Attendees can ask questions to gain a better understanding of the organization and its career opportunities,” said Natalie R. Alexander, Career Services associate director.
Recruiters from all industries, including Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and others attend to recruit Illinois State talent for their open positions.
“These organizations not only represent a variety of industries, but many are looking for a variety of majors as well,” said Andee Radliff, Career Services assistant director. “We encourage Redbirds from all areas of interest to attend our career fairs to not only explore open positions but to meet those who may not be directly in their field. This allows them to explore opportunities they may not have considered, and even expand their professional network.”
Fair preparation
To help Redbirds prepare for the fair, Career Services is hosting InstaCareer on Wednesday, February 1 from 3–7 p.m. in the Bone Student Center. Employers from a variety of industries provide practical tips to help students navigate the process with confidence and success. Participants rotate through various sessions on the basics of how to prepare for a career fair, practice how to introduce themselves to employers, and much more.
Additional tips to help Redbirds prepare for the career fairs include:
- Checking out the list of employers attending the fairs on the career fair websites and on Hire-A-Redbird. Visit their website to learn more about them and their open positions.
- Construct an effective résumé and connect with Career Services during drop-in hours for feedback.
- Connect with your career advisor for assistance on how to describe yourself and answer other common questions from employers.
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 résumés on free résumé paper available through Career Services in the Career Resource Hub in the Bone Student Center. In addition, Career Services provides free headshot photos at the Spring Internship Fair and the Spring Career Fair to use on their LinkedIn profile.
Attend the spring career fairs to jump-start your career goals and achieve career success.
