What to Expect at an Internship Fair?
Hi everyone! I’m a sophomore in college and excited to attend my first internship fair tomorrow. As a first-generation student, I don’t have anyone to guide me through this experience, so I’m looking for some advice.
What should I expect when I get there? How should I approach the companies? Do I just walk up and introduce myself, or are they expecting an elevator pitch right away?
I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed, so any tips or insights would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
It’s great that you’re attending your first internship fair! Here are some tips to help you make the most of the experience:
Do Your Research: Before the fair, find out which companies will be there. Look into their missions, values, and available internship opportunities. This knowledge will help you engage in more meaningful conversations.
Prepare Your Elevator Pitch: While you don’t need to deliver a polished pitch right away, it’s helpful to have a brief introduction ready. You could start with your name, your major, your year, and what kind of internship you’re looking for. For example: “Hi, I’m [Your Name], a sophomore studying [Your Major]. I’m really interested in [specific field/role], and I’d love to hear more about your internship opportunities.”
Approach with Confidence: It’s perfectly fine to walk up and say hello. Start with a friendly greeting and a smile. Many recruiters expect you to initiate the conversation, so don’t be shy!
Ask Questions: Engage the recruiters by asking thoughtful questions about their company and internship programs. This shows that you’re genuinely interested. Questions like, “What qualities do you look for in an intern?” or “Can you tell me more about the projects interns work on?” can be great conversation starters.
Practice Active Listening: Pay attention to their responses, and feel free to ask follow-up questions. This will help build rapport and show that you’re engaged.
Bring Materials: Have copies of your resume ready to hand out. You can also prepare a business card if you have one, or take notes on the back of the recruiter’s card to follow up later.
Follow Up: After the fair, make it a point to follow up with any recruiters you spoke with. A quick thank-you email expressing your interest can make a lasting impression.
Explore Different Opportunities: Don’t just focus on big-name companies; smaller organizations can offer great learning experiences too.
Network: Connect with other students at the fair. They might have tips or experiences to share that could be valuable to you.
Stay Positive: Remember, everyone is there for a similar reason, and it’s a great opportunity to learn and grow. It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous, but try to enjoy the experience!
Good luck at the internship fair! Just be yourself, and don’t forget to take a deep breath and have fun!