How do you market a career fair to all Ohio State students?

One part of the strategy is email. Specifically, getting the career fair included in the On Campus newsletter to undergraduate, graduate and professional students. More than 50,000 undergraduate students receive this weekly email newsletter during the school year on Tuesdays.

I worked with my colleague, Dave, who oversees the “Message from Student Life” column. We scheduled the career fair to be included in the September 3 issue, giving students two weeks to prepare.

The CTA button leads to this article I wrote that was also featured on the Ohio State Office of Student Life homepage.

https://studentlife.osu.edu/articles/your-student-life-career-and-internship-fair/

Your Student Life: Career and Internship Fair

August 27, 2024

All Ohio State students are invited to attend the University-Wide Career and Internship Fair in person on Wednesday, September 18 from 1-5 p.m. at the Ohio Union and virtually on Handshake from 2-6 p.m. on Thursday, September 19.

It’s never too early to start thinking about your summer internships or post-graduation career options. The career fair is an opportunity to network with a wide variety of employers from corporate, non-profit and government sectors. 

Students can also learn about on-campus employment opportunities with departments such as Dining Services, Wexner Medical Center, SASSO (Student Athlete Support Services), Ohio Technology Consortium (OARnet) and more.

Students and alumni from any college, any major and any year are invited to attend the career fair hosted by Buckeye Careers.

Putting your best foot forward

Business professional or business casual attire is recommended but not required to attend the career fair. Present yourself in a way that you feel put together and confident.

If you need business clothing, check out the Career Closet Pop-Up Event on September 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Younkin Success Center. Ohio State students can pick up free professional clothing and accessories in a variety of sizes and styles.

At the in-person career fair on September 18, a photographer will be available to take professional profile photos. This is your chance to get a photo to use on your LinkedIn and Handshake profiles.

Preparing for success

There will be a free coat check available at the in-person fair on September 18 for students to stash their backpacks, umbrellas or coats.

Be sure to bring at least 10 printed copies of your resume to the in-person fair and have a PDF copy of your resume handy to send to employers. It’s also a good idea to bring a notepad to take some quick notes. Buckeye Careers recommends bringing a padfolio or folder to carry your resumes and notebook.

Your resume is often your first chance to make a positive impression on an employer. Whether this is your first time writing a resume or you are looking for tips to update your resume, Buckeye Careers offers resume writing workshops and virtual appointments. This is where you can learn what to include on your resume, how to format it and how to make it stand out. Buckeye Careers is offering drop-in resume reviews virtually on Friday, September 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and in-person on Wednesday, September 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Younkin Success Center.

Making a strong first impression

Beforehand, practice your introduction to employers. You’ll want to smile, give a firm handshake then state your name, year, major, interests and skills. Something like, “Hello, my name is Brutus and I’m a second-year computer science major from the College of Engineering. I’m interested in a career in software and have experience coding with Python. Can you tell me a little about your company and what skills you’re looking for?”

You want to ask employers thoughtful questions to understand their company culture, the experiences they are looking for and available opportunities. Do not ask about salary or benefits. If you’re an international student, don’t say that you need a job to stay in the U.S. but rather connect your current skills to the needs of the company.

This is the time to give your resume to the employer and ask for a business card. On the back of the business card, jot down notes to help you follow up after the fair.     

Remember that the career fair is an opportunity to get to know organizations and not just a place to get free stuff. Avoid taking every freebie such as pens, candy, toys and stress balls during the fair. Recruiters notice when students do this, and it can signal that you’re not serious about future employment opportunities.

Helpful workshops to answer questions

If you’re not sure what to expect at a career fair and a bit unsure about attending, you can ask questions in a supportive virtual AMA (Ask Me Anything) session on Wednesday, September 4  from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and Tuesday, September 10 from 6-6:30 p.m. on Handshake. Buckeye Careers team members will be happy to answer questions in this drop-in casual format.

Buckeye Careers is also hosting workshops for students to learn what to expect at the virtual career fair. Log on to Handshake on September 5 from 6-6:30 p.m. or September 13 from 11:30 a.m. to noon.  

If you’re nervous about talking to employers at the career fair, get some advice at a workshop on September 11 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Younkin Success Center and virtually on September 17 from 4-5 p.m. on Handshake.

Reach out to Buckeye Careers at careerfairs@osu.edu with additional questions or accommodation requests. Read more tips about being successful at career fairs on Buckeye Careers website.

Debbie Wakefield

Marketing Specialist
Office of Student Life