Madalena Pierangelino, Marketing Intern
Let’s rewind to the start of
my senior year of college at the University of Kentucky. To a time when “the
future” was a synonym for uncertainty, a black hole of ideas, and a panic
attack. I had no concrete plans for my life, no absolute route I wanted to
take, and every time someone asked me what I was going to do after I graduated,
I would answer with the same anxiety-inducing words: “I don’t know.”
As the semester drew on, the
pressure to find a job grew greater and greater, and my hopes of finding a job for
after graduation grew increasingly weaker. I thought I was doing everything I
was supposed to do. I got a LinkedIn account, applied to countless companies
online, asked my professors for advice, and went through countless drafts of my
resume and cover letter. I knew rejection was common with job searching, but after
absolutely no luck I began to think of backup options like traveling the world
or teaching English in Spain. However, before giving up on a job completely, I stopped
by the Graham Office of Career Management in the Gatton School of Business, who partners with the UK Stuckert
Career Center, and they suggested
that I first visit the Career Fair.
I had been to the Career
Fair once before as a sophomore and had a positive experience. I shook a lot of
hands, talked to various employers and practiced my professionalism, but I
never found a job. Needless to say, I did not believe the second time around
would be any different. In my mind, the Career Fair was still a crowded room
with a complex maze of employers. How was I supposed to stand out from the
hundreds of other students this time? What I needed was a plan.
So, I did my research, visiting
the Career Fair website and grabbing a copy of the Kentucky Kernel to find the list of companies attending. I read the general overviews
and took note of the ones that matched my major and interests. I thought, okay, this company is international, looking
for a marketing major, and I like what they do, and so I narrowed it down to
just a few. Then I delved deeper using Google search to find their backgrounds
and mission statements, meanwhile jotting down comments and possible questions I
could ask. When the day finally arrived, I printed out at least 20 copies of my
updated resume, dressed in my best suit and heels, put on my game face and was out
the door.
Walking in, I was hit with a
sudden pang of nervousness. The sheer number of professionally dressed people
was enough to overwhelm me. But given the situation, I had to remember that
confidence is key, and that this time I had a plan. I picked up a map and
marked the locations of my favorite companies, took a deep breath and strutted
into the atrium, nametag on and resumes in hand.
I approached each company’s
booth as an over exaggerated, extra positive, super-smiley version of myself. I
confidently yet casually stepped up to approach the employer that was free to
talk, and I gave a solid handshake (firm grip, two pumps, and eye contact). I
introduced myself by simply stating what I was - a Marketing and Spanish major interested
in an opportunity with the company. Then came the small talk, which normally
included general informational questions about me, and I replied with questions
about them. Then, occasionally, the conversations developed into a more
personal connection. Every table presented a different personality and
conversation, but I always expressed
my interest in the company, always left a copy of my resume and always made
sure to ask how to continue the application process. A few businesses had
separate applications online and others decided exclusively from the pool of
applicants at the fair. Sometimes, it did not work out, like when I found out a
company was only hiring immediately, only hiring for internships, or simply not
in need of a marketing major. In those instances I still left a resume, but I
knew in the back of my mind that there was a slim chance I would hear back.
By the end of the day, despite
the sore-from-smiling cheeks, dry throat and over-sanitized hands, all I could
do was wait. No matter the outcome, I was extremely happy that I had attended the
Career Fair. I had opened up to new people and ideas, and ultimately learned which
companies captivated me most and which people I meshed with best. I had gained
valuable professional experience and interview practice that would be
beneficial for the future.
It was not until a couple of
days later that I received a call for a follow-up interview. Out of the ten
companies I had talked to, just one called back. But I still counted it as a
huge success, because one is better than none. Plus, that particular company
was one I had really liked. I knew I had a great conversation with the guy, and
that the business’ mission was in line with my goals. I was definitely going to
accept the invitation to interview again.
So, after updating my resume
for the tenth time and going to practice interviews at the Career Center, I proceeded to interview with the company on
campus. A couple of days later, I was contacted a second time - this time for
the final interview. Long story short, I went to the final interview in
Nashville, and I got the job! I could not believe that the hour I spent at the
Career Fair would lead me on a brilliant career path that would determine the
rest of my life.
Now, let’s fast forward to
today. Today, I am writing this article with a totally different mindset. In
the beginning of senior year I had no idea what the future would bring. Now the
definition of “the future” has changed from “panic attack” to “moving to a new
city with a full-time job” just from attending the Career Fair.
Whether you are a freshman
or a senior, it is never too early or too late to take advantage of your
resources at school. The Career Center is an incredible outlet that offers mock
interviews, resume critiques, professional workshops, and also a Career Fair
that could quite possibly change your life.
So, if you are looking for a
summer internship, full-time job or are just curious to see what is out there,
start preparing now. The next Career Fair, also called the Spring 2014 Employer
Showcase, will be held February 11th and 12th in the
Student Center Grand Ballroom. You can find a list of employers here. Best
of luck!
For lots of interview tips,
visit our Pinterest page: Land that Job!
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