On Wednesday, February 13th, the University of Cincinnati’s College of Arts and Sciences is holding the Spring 2019 Career Fair. The event will include employers such as Cincinnati Children’s, TriHealth, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Great American Insurance Group, Gensuite and more. The Career Fair will give the University’s students an opportunity to receive internships or careers.
The event is two days long, sponsored by the Experience-Based Learning and Career Education Office (ELCE). Students of all levels may go to the event, and the fair also offers free headshots to any attending student.
Dr. Lisa Holstrom, Senior Assistant Dean, recommended that students “check out [the companies’] websites, understand a little about their business and prepare a few questions” before arriving to the fair. She added, “Just like professors, employers love it when a student asks a question that shows they’ve done their homework. In addition, many of the employers are A&S alumni – so students can always ask the employer representative about their career path.”
“Students should bring good eye contact and a firm handshake!” Holstrom advised. “Also, they should bring a resumé that outlines what skills they’ve acquired in their major and gen-ed classes. Every A&S class teaches cross-cutting skills that employers want, like critical thinking, using data to make decisions and team leadership. ELCE career coaches can help students prepare their resumé.” She also added that students should bring a notebook with questions for employers and to write down information given by the companies.
Holstrom recommended that students should arrive with prepared questions. Not only is it important for the students to have a major that is fit for the career or internship, but that they have the skills fit for the role. “Whether those skills are gained in required courses or in BoKs, the important focus is on the skills,” she said. “For example, a Biology student could demonstrate an ‘empathy’ skill that was developed in the course ‘Black Lives Matter.’”
Students are also advised to wear business casual, described by Holstrom as, “a shirt with a collar and dress pants or khakis [for men]. For women, it’s a nice sweater or blouse and slacks or skirt. No jeans, T-shirts, hoodies or leggings.”
Holstrom said, “Many employers looking to hire UC students are there – our students are fortunate to have this opportunity to connect.”