The Center for Career and Professional Development is hosting a career fair on Feb. 18
from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the West Campus Atrium. With over 60 employers expected to attend, undergraduate and graduate students will have the opportunity to connect with companies for internship and job opportunities.
The event provides students with access to job opportunities across a variety of fields, including finance, healthcare, education, government, marketing, law enforcement and more. The fair gives students the opportunity to seek positions to gain hands-on experience in their field of interest.
Senior Director of Career Education, Amy Novak, said students can utilize Handshake to review the list of participating employers.
“The Handshake platform gives students a chance to view the companies attending the fair, allowing them to better prepare and engage in more meaningful conversations,” Novak said.
The Center for Career and Professional Development, located on the second floor of Linda McMahon Commons, is designed to give students the tools needed to transition from academic to professional life. Through personalized career counseling, students can receive expert guidance on job opportunities and potential career paths.
The center also hosts workshops and seminars that focus on enhancing essential professional skills, such as interviewing techniques, resume writing, and optimizing LinkedIn profiles.
“Our office is here to support students throughout their job search process, from scheduling appointments with career advisors to offering direct advice on improving their job application materials,” said Novak.
Junior Yillyan Contreras has attended past career fairs and said the event gives opportunities for students to gain knowledge about potential careers and employers.
“I went to the fair because I wanted to learn more about jobs I wasn’t familiar with. I think it’s an effective experience for all students, as everyone can learn something new,” Contreras said.
Contreras said for upcoming career fairs, it is helpful for students to have a list of questions in mind to ask recruiters and potential employers. She also said the career fair gives students the opportunity to exchange contact information and continue communication.
Novak said that students should adhere to the “Dress for Success” principle when attending career fairs, emphasizing the importance of professional attire to make a positive first impression on potential employers.
Source: Tracy Deer-Mirek, Sacred Heart University
Source: Tracy Deer-Mirek, Sacred Heart University
Novak also advised that students bring their resumes, especially if they are looking for internships or jobs. However, since the fair is open to students of all majors and class years, even those not yet ready to submit a resume are encouraged to attend. She also said students should be prepared for what they will say to employers, giving them information on who they are and why they are a good fit.
“Know which employers you want to meet and what you want to say to them. Be prepared with an Elevator Pitch—a brief introduction that highlights who you are, what interests you, why you’re qualified, and what you can offer,” said Novak.
The Center for Career and Professional Development is hosting an event called “Boost Your Brand: Resume & LinkedIn Essentials on Thursday” on Feb. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Career Center. Here, students can receive feedback and guidance to enhance their resumes and LinkedIn profiles, helping them to stand out at the job fair.
To learn more about the Center for Career and Professional Development, visit their website, https://shuconnect.sacredheart.edu/.
Sara Haseney contributed to this article.
