The Health Professions Career Fair will be held on Tuesday, April 24^th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the LaSells Stewart Center on the Oregon State University campus.  Nearly 50 health professions schools from across the country will be attending to provide useful information for those preparing for a career in the health field.

There will be a great deal of information for students no matter where they are in their academic career.  First and second year students can explore health profession school options, start building networks for the future and get valuable advice and tips.  For juniors, seniors and alumni there is the opportunity to learn about specific programs, collect application and financial aid information as well as get advice on the application process.

To learn more about the Health Professions Career Fair, contact the College of Science at 541-737-4811 or science@oregonstate.edu Please visit the website to learn what schools will be represented and to learn tips that will help you get the most out of the fair.

Day 30:

Now is the time to invest in your sustainable future!

Beginning today we will start our 30 day countdown to ringing in the spring career fairs!  Check our Facebook page or blog daily for successful ways to make the most of your career fair experience!

Our Winter Career Fairs start tomorrow on February 22^nd and 23^rd and it’s important to know who is coming.  Researching companies in advance might seem like overkill, but in reality it could mean you landing your perfect job or internship. Employers that attend Career Fairs end up telling students what their company description and mission statement are hundreds of times during the day. Knowing stats beforehand will help you make the most of your valuable time and could make a lasting impression on an employer, which could land you an interview.

Our website http://oregonstate.edu/career/ and Beaver JobNet are great places to start when researching Career Fair companies. The list of attending companies that we provide includes their industry, website, interested majors, position types and green employer status. You can even find what table the companies will be located to make the best out of your time. Knowing what qualities you are looking for in a companies and which positions you are interested in will help you narrow down the employers you need to visit.

Some of the 137 companies attending the Winter Career Fair are:

Columbia Sportswear, first established as Columbia Hat Company, originated in Portland, Oregon in 1938 and is still headquartered there today. They are a company that is passionate about their outdoor inspired and tested clothing. At the Career Fair they are looking to fill internship and full-time positions with a wide variety of majors.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation holds many desirable jobs, from special agents, to linguists, and professional hostage team members, to professional staff. While these jobs are very competitive, the FBI has many great internships that can eventually lead into one of the previously mention positions. For the Career Fair they are specifically looking for applicants from all majors to fill permanent full-time positions.

Georgia Pacific is one of the biggest producers and manufacturers of paper and building products in the world. Their company prides themselves in finding new innovative ways to manufacture their products. They are looking for a variety of Engineers to fill internships and full-time jobs at the Career Fair.

HP was founded by two students from Stanford University in 1938. One of their first clients was Walt Disney Studios, which is living proof of their desire to produce innovative technologies. They are looking for business students, engineers, and computer science students to fill some internship, full-time and co-op positions.

Peace Corps is a green employer, which looks to serve developing countries by sending volunteers to live and work in their communities. While there are many applicable majors for Peace Corps, at the Career Fair they will be specifically looking for students from the college of forestry, education, and agricultural sciences to fill full-time positions.

State Farm Insurance originated in 1922, in Illinois, with the idea of creating an honest insurance agency to fit individual needs. State Farm is looking at all majors to fill internship and full time positions at the Career Fair.

Research companies so you will know which ones will be a good fit for you, and look up some company information to make a great impression. So pull out your suits and skirts, iron those shirts, and put your information to good use at the Career Fair! Good luck to all

Day 1:

“May the Force be with you.”

Only ONE day until the University Wide Career Fair!  You’ve worked hard to prepare for this great opportunity; now it’s your time to shine!  Oh, and don’t forget to follow up with those employers who piqued your interest…

• Grab their business card at the career fair so you have their contact information
• Send an e‐mail or hand‐written letter thanking them for their time and including a copy of your resume
• We hear from employers that many students do not do this, so it’s a great way to stand out.

Day 2:

Don’t forget to bring the following to the fair:

• Copies of your resume (15-20 depending on number of employers you’d like to approach). Keep in mind many employers are unable to take your resume, but instead will instruct you to apply online.
• A smile, strong handshake and positive attitude.
• Your 30-second infomercial to introduce yourself and highlight your qualifications.
• Information about the organizations that you will be approaching. Never ask an employer, “What do you do?”
• A hardcover notepad portfolio and/or professional briefcase for resumes, company information, business cards and questions to ask the employer.

Day 3:

What NOT to wear…

Remember, these employers are visiting other career fairs on different campuses so it’s important to make a great first and lasting impression.  While they understand you’re going in and out of classes and other obligations, this is your opportunity to set yourself apart and sell yourself.  Dress to impress!

Day 4:

“Show me the money!”

There are over many employers registered to attend the fair and they are there because they specifically want to talk to YOU!  This means you’re just that much closer to landing your dream job, and earning more money!

Day 5:

“You know, like nunchuck skills, bowhunting skills, computer hacking skills… Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills. Forget flower bouquets and work on developing some captivating skills.”  – Napoleon Dynamite

So, what are your skills?  Master your 30-60 second infomercial or “elevator speech”!  Oh, and leave out your “computer hacking skills.”

This will arm you with all you need to begin an intelligent and effective conversation with employers.  If you’re not sure what to say, visit Career Services and we will help you!  Here are some ideas of what to include:

• Where you are now? (degree, program, year in college)
• Where you have been? (career-related experience, leadership experience, part-time work experience)
• Where you are going? (future goals)
• A question for the employer

Here’s a great example:

“Hello. My name is Lucy and I will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. As a student here at OSU, I have had the chance to gain leadership and organizational skills through my involvement in the English Club. In addition, I have worked for two years as a server at the Annex allowing me to gain valuable customer service experience. I am seeking a full-time position in the field of public relations for next summer. Can you share with me any opportunities within your organization that might fit with my skills and experience?”

Day 6:

I’m here…now what?

• Locate your chosen employers on the map
• Offer your hand for a professional handshake (one shake)
• Begin the conversation with your 60 second commercial
• Ask the employer a question relating to your career goal
• Ask the employer for next steps
• Be energetic – be your best, as refreshed as possible

Day 7:

In your “Pursuit of happyness” make sure you set your expectations…

You are responsible for making the most of a job fair. This means that you should begin with clearly defined and realistic expectations. You may not receive a job offer at the fair, but it is realistic to assume you will make a significant number of employer contacts. For most candidates, success will depend on effective follow‐up after the fair.