1. How TO MAKE Career Night A SUCCESSFUL EVENT

2. GOALS OF THIS PRESENTATION
To help you develop realistic expectations of Career Night
To provide you with information about the purpose of Career Night
To help you prepare, perform, and follow through on your event experience to maximize the benefits

3. WHAT IS CAREER NIGHT? An event …
that provides a forum for student and employer interaction;
where the basic purpose is to share information;
where students can practice networking and relationship building.

4. WHY DO EMPLOYERS ATTEND?
To promote their organization and increase visibility with students/university
To identify potential job prospects
To express interest in students and graduates of UConn
To provide career and general information about their organization

5. WHY DO STUDENTS ATTEND? To learn more about career opportunities
in general
To network with employers and make contacts with organizations
To collect employer information
To make a good first impression

6. PRIOR TO CAREER NIGHT: Preparing for maximum effect – key points
Clarify Your Career Goals
Research Organizations
Develop well constructed questions for the employer
Choose your Wardrobe

7. PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR: Preparing for maximum effect

8. PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR: Preparing for maximum effect
Clarify your career goals
Understand why you are attending
Understand what you want to accomplish
Clarify your personal goals – what are you hoping to gain by attending

9. PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR: Preparing for maximum effect
Research organizations that you have targeted
Visit the College of Agriculture’s website to see who is attending the fair
Visit the organization’s website
Investigate issues, trends, and the outlook of professions/industries that are of interest to you

10. PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR: Preparing for maximum effect
Prepare a list of questions to ask employers
Creative and challenging questions
Demonstrate knowledge of your chosen career field
Within reason, you may ask questions at this event that you cannot in an interview
Want to make a lasting impression by asking good questions and showing knowledge of company and industry
Questions – not about direct salary, may ask about whether or not people do well in the field, with the company, work/life balance

11. PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FAIR: Preparing for maximum effect
What to wear…
Business Casual is recommended
Should be conservative and fit properly
The focus should be on you, not on what you wear
Your attire should be appropriate for all employers
Bring something to manage your papers (portfolio, briefcase)
Do not overuse cologne or perfume

12. AT CAREER NIGHT
Employers want to share information on what their company does as well as gather information on students
Your interaction with company representatives should be highly professional at all times
May keep you in mind for referrals
or positions not yet advertised
- being courteous and responsive to all employers will most likely pay dividends down the road

13. DURING CAREER NIGHT
Presentation skills: Be aware of your verbal communication
Speak clearly and concisely
Provide brief, targeted answers to questions
Be honest
Provide complete and articulate responses
Show interest, energy, enthusiasm
Demonstrate that you prepared for the event by having intelligent responses

14. DURING CAREER NIGHT Presentation skills: Non-verbal communication
Dress professionally - “look the part”
Have good eye contact
Offer a firm handshake
Demonstrate poise and composure
Avoid distracting mannerisms

15. DURING CAREER NIGHT Interpersonal skills
Employers will be measuring your ability to interact at a professional level
Knowledge of yourself, the organization, and the industry will allow you to have an intelligent, balanced conversation
Your preparation will manifest itself in a confident, self-assured presentation which, in the mind of the employer, will equal strong interpersonal skills

16. TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS:
A carefully crafted and professional presentation will ensure that you make a positive and lasting impression
Follow-up is important to distinguish yourself from other students and to maintain contact with employers – through well written thank- you notes or s following the event
You may also share resumes if applicable

17. FOLLOW UP – AFTER CAREER NIGHT
Determine the best way to follow up with the employer
Get a business card
Send a brief note (or ) to the representative that you met at Career Night
Keep information from representatives that you talk to at the event in order to facilitate your contact follow-up
Ask each employer about the best way to follow up with his/her organization
and that you are very interested in the organization may help you stand out from the crowd - Note: all correspondence is a work sample - take the time necessary to do it right

18. QUESTIONS?
See a professional career consultant at the Center for Career Development (CCD) if you have questions - career consulting is available on a walk-in basis - don’t hesitate to visit the office in Wilbur Cross 202 if you have any questions
The Staff at the CCD wish you the best in your major/career exploration and job search efforts.