Spring Career Fair around the corner

Although unemployment figures might be high nationwide, Pitt hopes that students can find… Although unemployment figures might be high nationwide, Pitt hopes that students can find employment and internships from the 160 employers coming to campus next week.

The annual Spring Career Fair will take place in the William Pitt Union Feb. 7 and Feb. 8. Students of any year and any major can attend the fair to network with employers and search for internships, co-ops and jobs.

Cheryl Finlay, the director of Pitt’s Office of Career Development and Placement Assistance, said that, as of Monday, about 160 employers had registered to attend the two-day career fair, but more might still register.

Unlike during the Fall Career Fair, graduate schools typically do not attend in the spring.

Finlay said that regardless of year, it is important for all students to attend the fair. Whether they are looking for full-time or part-time jobs, internships or co-ops, students will be able to talk with a wide variety of employers. Many of the employers, Finlay said, will also be holding on-campus interviews for select students.

“Sophomores and juniors are encouraged to attend to seek out internship opportunities and part-time employment that are crucial building blocks for a solid resumé,” Finlay said in an email. “For seniors, this is the perfect time to explore full-time opportunities available after graduation. It is a time for seniors not only to look for a job but also to network and build connections with potential employers as they begin the search for employment.”

Freshmen are also encouraged to attend, Finlay said, because it is never too early to gain work experience or become familiar with the fair so that they will be prepared when they are older and seeking employment. Freshmen can also use the fair to practice their interviewing and networking skills.

“Obtaining these experiences during their first year will make them more attractive to employers in the future,” she said.

The career fair will be held over two days: Feb. 7 will be geared toward technical fields, including engineering, IT and computer science, while Feb. 8 will host employers looking for candidates for non-technical positions, in fields such as business, science, health and the arts.

Finlay said that students often have luck securing jobs and internships at the fair.

“Employers are attending the fair because they want to hire University of Pittsburgh students,” she said.

The best way for students to handle the career fair is to come prepared, Finlay said. Students should know which employers they are interested in talking to and bring enough resumés to hand out. They should also be ready to give recruiters a short introduction expressing their interest in the company and any prior experience they might have in the field.

To prepare for the fair beforehand, Finlay recommends students bring both resumés tailored to each employer they plan on talking to and general resumés to hand out.

“Knowing some background information about the companies will help you to stand out and look prepared,” Finlay said, adding that dressing in the proper business attire will also help students look ready.