Employment Guide: Pitt to welcome more than 100 employers for career fair

More than 150 employers will attend the Spring 2013 Career Fair, providing students with the opportunity to connect with employers from a variety of fields.

The annual spring Career Fair, hosted by Pitt’s Career Development and Placement Assistance, runs from Feb. 19 to 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the William Pitt Union.

The first day of the fair will be geared toward technical majors — science, math, information science, computer science and engineering. Employers on that day will include Alcoa, Bank of New York Mellon, Geico, PepsiCo and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The second day of the fair will be catered toward nontechnical majors — arts and sciences, business and those included in the College of General Studies. Employers slated to attend that day include Apple Inc., The Hershey Company, PPG Industries Inc. and Vanguard. Employers might overlap on both days.

Cheryl Finlay, director of CDPA, believes that this fair gives students the opportunity to showcase their skills and learn about full-time, part-time and internship positions available with employers from across the nation.

“Career fairs are a great way for students to connect one-on-one with employers in a variety of fields,” Finlay said.

Finlay encourages students to sign up for the Career Fair through the my.pitt.edu portal on the left side of the homepage titled, “Take Action.” Doing so will grant students the ability to preview the Career Fair directory of employers planning to attend, so they can see what positions will be available.

“Researching companies before the fair allows students to stand out in a crowd and network with employers,” Finlay said.

Career Services will be providing Career Fair preview days from Feb. 12 through 15, in which CDPA will have free giveaways and food and will host several employers from all industries. According to Finlay, employers who attend the preview days will be reviewing student resumés before the fair and giving students tips for improving them.

Career Services also has additional resources on its website, including videos about how to prepare for the Career Fair and a document detailing what to do before, during and after the fair. Students can also access the Pitt Career Network, through which students can search and contact Pitt alumni who are willing to give advice and explore different career fields and network.

Once students arrive at the Union on the day of the Career Fair, they will be able to register at the lobby, receive their nametag and pick up a copy of an event map.

“It is important for students to dress in professional attire, bring plenty of copies of your resumé and network with employers to learn more about the opportunities available within the organization,” Finlay said.

Finlay said that Career Services is offering a “Final Pitt Stop” for last minute touch-ups. This will be located in the lobby of the Union, where students will find basic needs such as shirts, ties, scarves, hairspray and makeup. Finlay encourages students to stop by the CDPA office beforehand for advice regarding specific attire for their interview.

Career consultant Jessica Rizk suggests that students prepare their business outfit before the fair to make sure it’s comfortable and appropriate.

Senior Emily Plazek has attended multiple careers fairs at Pitt, and she has developed an arsenal of tips for students.

Plazek emphasizes that dress is more important than students think and that it is an important and contributing factor to an employer’s first impressions. She urges men to wear suits and women to dress conservatively.

“Dress to impress,” she said, adding that it doesn’t hurt to add a pop of color or something eye-catching, such as jewelry, to help distinguish yourself.

Ritz advises students who come with friends to not travel in packs. It’s important for the employer to see you in a professional setting.

As for the resumé, Plazek suggested that students print their resume on quality paper, which shows employers they went the extra step.

Plazek also explains the importance of preparing the “elevator speech” or the quick introduction of who you are, what you’re doing at pitt, why you’re talking to them and what you’re interested in.

“By having this prepared and practiced, it makes it really easy to just walk up to the employer and to be confident, which goes a long way,” Plazek said.