What is the value of a virtual career fair for any given student? This article looks at some common myths about who benefits from attending career fairs.
The Mount's next big career-building opportunity on the horizon is the Fall 2021 Virtual Career Fair. You may be second-guessing whether to attend this valuable career event because of common misconceptions about career fairs. This article debunks three major myths:
Myth #1: Careers fairs are only for business majors. This could not be further from the truth. A wide range of employers will be present, and most majors will be represented. For example, students interested in environmental science can connect with Advanced Biofuels USA and NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps. Students interested in social assistance can check out the Appalachia Service Project and EDSI. K-12 Education will be well represented with 11 employers present, healthcare will have eight employers at the upcoming event, and a wide variety of other career fields will have at least one possible employer present. As you can see, this event covers more than just business majors, and all students can benefit.
Additionally, the Career Fair is a great networking opportunity for students in any major. The impact of networking cannot be overstated. According to Payscale.com, experts say that 70-85% of all jobs are obtained through networking. Networking is vital, and networking events like the Career Fair provide the chance to make influential connections with potential employers. Moreover, consider how the skills you develop as part of your major apply to jobs that may not seem to fit at first glance. For example, communication majors may think the only places to search for jobs are with media companies. The truth is, almost all companies need a writer of some sort, even if it does not seem obvious. While writing this article, I did a quick job search on Handshake and learned that The Strategic Technology Institute, Inc., which appears on the surface to be the last place a communication major might work, is currently offering a writer internship. Try thinking outside the box – with some research, you might find employers who may not seem like an obvious fit, but who are looking for someone just like you.
Myth #2: The Career Fair is only for graduating seniors. Students at any point in their college career should attend for two important reasons. Some majors require an internship before graduation, making it necessary to find one before your senior year. Additionally, even if you aren't currently job searching, attending the Career Fair can help you get used to the process of networking with employers and attending career events. With that experience under your belt, attending the Career Fair as a graduating senior will be less overwhelming.
Myth #3: Virtual fairs are not as good as in-person fairs. You may be wondering if a virtual fair means that it will be harder to connect with employers. In reality, a virtual fair offers you more opportunities than an in-person fair does. For this fair, the Mount is partnering with nine other universities, widening the pool of employers to connect with through 30-minute group sessions and 10-minute one-on-one sessions. By signing up for these sessions, you can guarantee an opportunity to interact with your employers of interest. As you can see, the Career Fair is an important event that all students, no matter their major or year, should attend. You can register with a quick visit to Handshake, and the Career Center staff can offer you any help you may need in preparing for this step forward in your career journey.