Job and internship fair offers networking opportunities for students

By Jessica Sinn
University News Service
September 27, 2007

Texas State University-San Marcos Career Services will host its annual Fall Job and Internship Fair 3-6 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Strahan Coliseum.  This year, the job fair will offer “after classes” hours to accommodate students with busy class schedules. 

The Fall Job and Internship Fair will host 135 corporate and governmental employers.

Josie Garrott, Career Services associate director, said students can register for Jobs4Cats, Texas State’s career building Web site to create profiles, post resumes, search for jobs and internships and receive information about upcoming job fairs.  Students without Jobs4Cats profiles can register online at the job fair’s cyber-station; however, it’s best to register in advance.

All participating employers are listed on the Jobs4Cats Web site.  Garrott said students should research the list and note their top employers before they begin networking.  She said it’s also a good idea for students to prepare a 20-second introduction of themselves before approaching the booths. 

“It’s important to be prepared,” Garrott said.  “Don’t wait until the last minute to make your resume or check out the companies attending.  And make sure to bring enough copies for your top employers and an extra five to 10 copies on hand.” 

Garrott said job seekers shouldn’t just limit themselves to their lists of top employers.  She said students should keep their eyes and ears open and listen to the dialogue around them to seek additional networking opportunities. 

“Students should think outside the box, locate different employers, connect with recruiters and find out who they should contact in the company’s human resource departments,” Garrott said.  

Garrott said students shouldn’t solely rely on their sharp business suits and polished resumes.  She said those who are well prepared and have enthusiastic attitudes are sure to impress prospective employers

“Students should dress appropriately, but making a great first impression is more important than what you wear,” Garrott said.  “It’s about the smile, the handshake and showing interest.” 

Garrott said the job fair is for all students, including alumni and graduate students.  She said students can browse the booths to start networking and researching employers, search for full-time employment and seek internship opportunities. 

“It is extremely important to get an internship,” Garrott said.  “If a student has the opportunity to do more than one internship, I strongly encourage it.”  

Career Services is offering walk-in career coaching hours to help students prepare for the fair on Wednesdays and Thursdays 3-5 p.m.  Additional hours have been added Oct. 9 3-5 p.m. and on Oct. 10 8-10:30 a.m. to provide any last-minute assistance.

Garott said job fairs are just a portion of the vast resources the Career Services Center provides. 

“My hope is that each and every Texas State student takes advantage of every opportunity we offer,” Garrott said.  “Whether they’re attending a job fair or gathering assistance with their resumes and interviewing skills, these services are here for them.” 

For more information about the Fall Job and Internship Fair, call the Career Services office at (512) 245-2645 or visit www.careerservices.txstate.edu/Students/job-fairs. To register or log into Jobs4Cats, visit https://www.myinterfase.com/txstate/studentregistration.aspx.