Eastern Michigan University held its annual Career Day Conference, at the College of Business Sept. 21., during which students are encouraged to participate in interview sessions and speak with potential job recruiters.
Students attended scheduled events ranging from meeting with recruiters to obtaining tips on how to create a good resume.
EMU student Kathleen Kargula said she was going to attend a few sessions and visit the interviewing event in the afternoon. She jokingly compared the conference to speed dating.
“People can jump from one session to another and talk to as many people as possible, gathering bits of information along the way,” Kargula said.
She offered advice to students who haven’t been out in the working world.
“Be friendly,” she said. “I would say be yourself. If you try to be someone else, it comes through.”
Presentations by various speakers were held in the lecture halls, with topics ranging from careers in accounting and marketing to government and management. All EMU majors were represented during the conference.
Students, professors and recruiters were given an opportunity to mingle with each other and discuss mock interviews, the do’s and don’ts of what to include on a resume and how to gain an internship in one’s career field.
EMU student Alan Lee was encouraged to attend the event by a professor to get a feel of what recruiters are looking for in the areas of accounting and business careers.
Lee admits that he was not prepared for the conference, but decided to join in on the day’s events regardless. He said he will attend another conference when he feels ready to scope out the job field.
Leslie Dangel and Lauren Toner, volunteers at the conference,
agreed the career fair is a great place to meet people and brush up on skills that will benefit students looking for work, either during school through an internship or a full-time job after graduation.
Toner said during the lectures students got a chance to meet the employers one-on-one, and the speakers answered questions and gave out company information.
They also gave tips to the students on what they are looking for specifically in a candidate. Toner said this benefits the students because the recruiters will remember faces and diligence.
“You’ve got to put your hat in the ring,” Toner said. “You never know what’s going to happen until you try.”
“Dress for success and be prepared to introduce yourself,” Dangel added. “Be confident, too.”
The volunteers also recommended students check in with EMU’s Advising and Career Development Center, where students can learn how to interview, what a professional resume entails and tips on dressing appropriately for the situation.
The center also provides services to students to help jump-start career planning, job-seeking skills and securing a job, either while attending school or to obtain employment after graduation.
For more information about the center and future career conferences call 734-487-4099.
