This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Binghamton chapter.
This dreaded week comes every semester, the time when it’s not just the SOM kids walking around in 20-degree weather in suits: career week.
While this may be intimidating and scary (seeing all the suited up mini-wannabe professionals waiting in Tillman Lobby), the experience is well worth it even if the new suit you just bought has left you broke.
Here are some tips to win career week:
- Go to events you have interest in. There is no point in showing up if you are unwilling to speak with anyone. Don’t waste time.
- Don’t stay with your friends. Friendship is beautiful, however the point of attending these events is to speak to employers not people you can talk to any time in the year.
- Talk to anyone and everyone. Any professional, past intern or peers you don’t know. Get your network on (just not with your buddies).
- Dress professionally. Professional = Suit, Buisness Casual = not jeans.
- Have your resume on hand. Do not show up empty handed, you never know what they’ll ask you.
- Plan your transportation. Waiting in the snow in a suit and heels is not a good combination if exams are coming up.
- Research the companies. Have an idea of what you want to talk about, but don’t plan it completely out. Let it flow naturally.
- Make meaningful small talk. Don’t ask the same few questions, make sure you are making a connection.
- Use your connections. If you know someone at the firm ask them to introduce you to the recruiter.
- Practice makes perfect. It is okay to mess up, these come every semester. If you are even considering going to these events you are right on track!