(Posted February 17, 2017)

At last year's fair, a student meets with a recruiter.
Mirror file photo
At last year's fair, a student meets with a recruiter.
Mirror file photo

Career Day is hosted on Friday, Feb. 25 in the IM Gym of Kennedy Sports Center, and is a networking opportunity for all students who are beginning their search for careers and internships. On Wednesday, Feb. 8, the Career Services Office hosted a professional clothing drive to prepare students for Career Day.

Once students look the part of a viable candidate, they should begin to prepare for the event itself, which means having an elevator pitch, resume and a friendly attitude. Darwin Kysor, director of the career services office, says, “An elevator pitch typically has about four parts: who you are plus a credential, what you are interested in, what you have done to start preparing yourself to qualify, and an open-ended question for the potential employer.” Your pitch should be general enough that you can use it for a wide range of employers, but customized enough to show that you researched the specific company.

            Tammy Stuber, assistant director of career services, advises students to write an elevator pitch, “to prepare a brief introduction to who you are as a candidate.” Career Day is a fun networking event, so Stuber says, “Be yourself and have a conversation. Find mutual ground.” In an informal event like Career Day, students should have a plan to make themselves stand out and connect with employers.

            An elevator pitch introduces you to an employer, and a resume will reinforce your strengths as a candidate. Stuber suggests, “having at least one other set of eyes looks at your resume - but preferably a faculty member or career services -- to give feedback on layout and content.” Kysor adds, “After that initial meeting at Career Day, you’ll probably have a second interview.” If that happens, you want your resume to be as polished as possible.

            When students begin their career search, being able to make a good impression can mark you as an ideal candidate. Kysor says, “The top skill any employer is looking for is communication.” Before you share your qualifications with a potential employer, make it clear that you will be someone they want to work with. Kysor advises that to make a good impression, “you need to do some follow-up, like send a thank-you note. Handwritten notes especially make you stand out.”

            Since career day is all about connections and standing out, be your best self when you go. Stuber warns, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression. It is important even though it may seem superficial.”

But, both Stuber and Kysor will tell you that Career Day is meant to be fun. It’s a chance for students to test out their interview skills and see what the world outside of Juniata has to offer them. If you need any help preparing, you can always set up an appointment in Career Services.

Laura Snyder ’18, Juniata Online Journalist

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.