By Laina Sweetney

The Florida Southern College Career Center is gearing up to host their upcoming Career & Internship Expo on Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m-1 p.m. in the Honeyman Pavilion. A favorite amongst Career Center staff, this event provides an opportunity for employers to share various employment and internship opportunities with FSC students. Likewise, the Expo provides students with the opportunity to engage in person with recruiters and hiring managers who are actively seeking to fill positions.

Because of daily classes, tests and campus activities, it can be challenging for college students to take necessary steps towards finding job and internship opportunities. Many students are unfamiliar with where to find employer contacts who are interested in hiring college students in need of professional experience. Cara Cima, Career Center Director of Career Development at FSC, would like to help prepare students for networking opportunities. Over 25 employers from a variety of fields including Nursing, Criminology, Business, Communication and Education, will be populating the Expo this year at FSC. Notable companies and organizations set to attend include, The Peace Corps, Chastain-Skillman, GEICO and the Polk County Sheriff Department.

“It’s an amazing event provided by the Career Center,” FSC environmental science student and career peer Christina Casella said of the Career & Internship Expo. “It gives students a chance to explore new opportunities and build confidence when speaking with employers. The Expo provides a unique environment where you can practice your elevator pitch, network and make personal connections.”

Students will make a positive impression at the event by bringing updated copies of their resumes to share with recruiters and hiring managers. In preparation for the Career & Internship Expo, the Career Center staff encouraged students to attend the Career Center’s Resumania event that took place Jan. 25. Attendants were given the chance to have their resumes reviewed by professional staff members and were provided feedback on how to strengthen this document.

Student can go to the Career Center to get help with resumes, cover letters and interview tips.

Cima and the Career Center staff believe that the Expo will be an outstanding networking and professional development tool for FSC students. They encourage student attendees to greet each employer with a smile and strong handshake, collect business cards from recruiters and prepare to share a 30 second “elevator pitch” that describes major and career interests as they relate to the target company.

“It’s also important for students to dress professionally,” said Cima. “This is the first impression you make on employers and you want to look like a professional. If you want the job or internship, wear a suit.”

Students interested in attending the Career & Internship Expo should pre-register for the event. All pre-registrants will receive a list of representatives and recruiters who will be attending, as well as helpful tips and suggestions regarding how to deliver their personal “elevator pitch” to employers. For more information about the event and how to pre-register visit the Career Center.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here