Chelsea's First Career Fair Experience
It's that time of year again when the excitement and anticipation are on fire on the campus of New York University Abu Dhabi . The university recently hosted its highly anticipated career fair, an event that drew students from all corners of the globe. But for one particular student, Raha Beach Ventures Undergraduate Intern Chelsea W. , this year's fair was extra special – it marked her very first time navigating the world of career fairs!
With her resumes neatly printed and organized in a folder, Chelsea found herself feeling a mix of emotions – excitement, nervousness, and a dash of determination. The bustling atmosphere was infectious. The buzz of students, recruiters, and their discussions all happening in one space created a passionate atmosphere.
Chelsea's heart raced as she approached the company booths. She had researched many of these companies and had her eye on a few in particular, including Plug and Play Middle East ,? BlackRock , PwC Middle East , and 安永 . Chelsea came up to Plug and Play and introduced herself to the friendly representatives and engaged in a conversation about venture capital. Her genuine interest in the VC industry and her insightful questions left her feeling optimistic, and she exchanged contact information with the representatives for potential future connections.
Here are some tips & advice from Chelsea:
At the career fair, I gained insights into the company's overview, culture, and primary business activities. You may gain extra insights that can't be found on their websites when you're interacting with the company in person. This information will be valuable if you're asked "why our company" in future interviews, providing you with ample material to draw upon. Hence, it's better to write everything down on your notes while the memory is still fresh.
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2. Research, research, research
Fortune favors the prepared. Do your research on LinkedIn before you go, so that you can recognize faces, names, teams, and the nature of their work before the career fair. This knowledge will be instrumental in steering conversations in the right direction during career fair interactions.
3. Engage with the "right" people
It's essential to delve deeper into a company by identifying its people and teams. Understanding the roles of each team is super crucial. When you engage in conversations at a career fair, it's pivotal to connect with the right people.
By "the right people," I’m referring to the people aligned with your career direction. For instance, if you are interested in consulting, engage with individuals from the consulting team. If your focus is on audit, converse with members of the audit team. Conversations with them can lead to more shared interests and more meaningful connections.
Leaving the career fair with a thick stack of flyers, Chelsea has never felt this hopeful about her future career prospects. She is ready to embark on the exciting journey ahead, with new connections, positive experiences, and motivation by the unlimited possibilities that await her in this dynamic field of work.