Job Preparation

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I know it’s only the fall semester of my senior year but I feel like it’s not too early to start my job search. Lately I have been a little nervous about not acquiring a job before graduation in May. I have always wanted to move to a big city or another state after graduation but if I am unable to find a job in the area I won’t be able to move. Some graduates prefer to live with their parents for a year or two after graduating to save up some money but I really want a new scenery and am afraid that if I move back home that I will make to many ties to home (Altoona) which will prevent me to move out of Central Pennsylvania in the future.

In attempt to find possible employers for myself, I attend the WestPAC job fair at the Monroeville Convention Center. Prior to the fair, I knew that there would be a little over 100 companies being represented. I went to the fair’s webpage and research the companies in attendance to figure out which ones I would like to approach. After I did this I made sure that I knew enough about the company that I could have a small conversation with the company’s representative.

I have never went to a job fair as big or important as this one before so I wasn’t sure how beneficial it would be to me but I am soooo glad that I went. I would suggest job fairs such as this one to all students! They allow students to make face-to-face contacts with people that have experience and a lot of contacts. If these employers can’t help you, they may know someone who can. Also, if you prepare for the fair appropriately you can make a lasting impression on the representatives that could land you a job!

Even underclassmen can benefit from job fairs. At this specific fair there were several companies that were also looking for students that would like to intern for the summer. This would be a key way to get into a company and if you perform to meet their expectations you could even be hired after graduating. I really wish I would have gone to this fair in previous years. Even if you are not looking for an internship you could always talk to representatives of the companies you’re interested in and then return to speak with them again your senior year. This way they will know that you are serious about acquiring a position at their firm.

Overall, ATTEND JOB FAIRS!!!!!! They can only help your future