6 reasons to go to this month's Science Fair whether you're at the beginning or end of your studies

By Andreia Castro, Life Sciences Student and Life Sciences Employability Intern

‘I’m graduating.’

‘I’m not sure I am in the right degree.’

‘I like my degree, but I don’t see myself working in a lab.’

‘I feel like there are no jobs out there.’

‘Which job is the right job for me?’

Careers fairs are one good place to start answering some of these seemingly existential questions. And with the Science Fair coming up on Tuesday, 24 October and Wednesday, 25 October, there’s no better time to explore reasons to stop by.

Network with professionals

Careers fairs are a social event, so networking is baked in. At a careers fair, you can meet representatives from a wide range of companies and sectors, allowing you to build face-to-face connections and make a positive impression.

At the Science Fair, there’ll be online panel talks during which you can interact with UofG alumni. They’ve been where you are now and have become successful professionals in the life sciences.?Having that shared experience can help you start building connections with them. And online networking means you can meet people regardless of your geographic locations.

In-person networking can take things to a different level. In fact, 95% of professionals agree that face-to-face connections are key for successful long-term business relationships, according to a Zippia article by Jack Flynn. At an in-person careers fair, you get direct and personal access to valuable professional contacts.

Learn about job and internship opportunities

As you might expect, careers fairs are designed to help with job hunting. You can explore potential job and internship opportunities that align with your skills, knowledge, experience, interests and goals.

In advance of a fair, seek information about organisations (eg values,?skills they seek in candidates, their competitors) and formulate questions. When you chat with their representatives, you’ll be able to position yourself as a well-informed and engaged candidate and make a lasting positive impression.

At the Science Fair,?you can learn also about further study (eg graduate programmes, educational opportunities) by asking the panellists about their career journeys.

Explore your career options

When thinking about life science careers, what often comes to mind is a ‘white coat’, lab-based job. But there are endless career possibilities in this area. Whether you study biochemistry, physiology, sports science, ancient history or even finance, you can learn about these at the Science Fair.

At the fair, you can learn about industries you might not have considered and gain a broader understanding of the labour market. You can ask questions and engage with professionals to gain insight into specific roles, industries or career paths.

Then, stay up to date about your field(s) of interest, including on industry trends, challenges and opportunities.

Build your confidence

Confidence is fundamental to building meaningful connections and working towards your goals. Fortunately, it’s something that can be developed with practice, like at a careers fair.

At the Science Fair, actively engage with the professionals there, articulating your career goals with clarity and confidence. You can prepare an ‘elevator pitch’ in advance. This is a brief summary of yourself, highlighting your unique strengths and aspirations to help forge a connection.

Don't underestimate the power of these face-to-face interactions. They not only make you more memorable but also provide an opportunity to showcase your personality and enthusiasm for the industry and/or organisation. Focus on making a positive impact, as it can set you apart when applying for competitive positions.

One of our team’s other interns recently met an employer at a careers fair. She followed with their representative afterwards, and it resulted in a job offer.

Get freebies and resources

At the Science Fair, take a strategic approach in?collecting valuable resources to enhance your research and preparation. Arm yourself with company brochures, materials and any available resources that offer insights into the organisations you're interested in. Plus, learn what support UofG Careers offers and make the most of free workshops and seminars at UofG.

At the Science Fair, you can also enter to win a pair of tickets to?GlasGLOW ?or a ￡25 Deliveroo voucher.

Connect with and support your peers

The Science Fair is also an opportunity to meet other students who share the same passion for science or some doubts about the future. That peer support can help each of you get the most out of the fair.

Attending careers fairs (and other events) not only enriches your knowledge but also showcases your proactive approach to professional development. See you at the Science Fair !