Career Fair gives all students a chance to network

The Professional and Career Development Services department will host a university wide career fair Thursday, Feb. 3.
The Drake University Career Fair will be held in Olmsted Center from 3-6 p.m. Despite some possible misconceptions, all students are welcome to attend. However, seniors will be given preference from 3-3:30 p.m.

“It’s a great way for students to network. They can get their feet wet and know what employers expect,” said Kelli Pitts, a member of the Professional and Career Development Services.

The fair will help jumpstart students’ career and internship searches, and it will also be a learning experience for success in the work world. Some companies will be conducting next-day interviews for students who are interested.

New for this year are breakout sessions. These mini-seminars will focus on a specific topic. Each will be presented by recruiters from their respective companies. Students will have the opportunity to learn new skills and ask any questions that they may have.

Professional attire is required for the event and it is recommended that each student bring between 10 and 12 copies of their resumes to hand to employers. Students are also welcome to bring business cards.

Although it takes time and plenty of marketing to recruit companies to attend, many of them contact Drake to come to campus for career events.

“The quality of Drake students is our best billboard for recruiting companies,” said Annette Watson, another member of the Professional and Career Development Services.

Student turnout at career events also plays a factor in whether or not a company will return or if new ones will be interested in attending the next fair.

A list of companies attending this year’s fair is available in Career Blueprint off the student services tab of blueView.

Students are strongly encouraged to attend the Drake University Career Fair as it is the only one for spring semester.

For undergraduates who are interested in attending graduate school, Drake University Graduate and Professional School Fair will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 22 from 3:30-6 p.m. in Olmsted Center.

Breakout Sessions

3:30-4:00    Interview Tips by Integrative Counseling Services
3:45-4:15    Professionalism in the Workplace by AEGON
4:15-4:45    Networking Tips by MassMutual
4:30-5:00    Social Networking by Strategic America
5:00-5:30    Entrepreneurial Career Path by American National Insurance
5:15-5:45    Leadership Skills from Campus to Career by Target