Your College to Career Journey

I hope that things are going well, and that everyone is still managing to stay afloat despite our daily dose of dismal economic news. The topic for today...you guessed it!

Since most schools (and cities) have great resources, they set up some form of a career fair to help their students meet recruiters. I got my main internship offer from a CF, and so I really hope that you attend and give it a chance.

Here are things to take to the career fair:

Recently, one of the blog readers sent me an important question that gets asked a lot. So, I felt like posting up the answer to help anyone who may be in a similar situation:

" I feel like I understand the technical knowledge that the job requires, but whenever it comes to facing an interviewer or meeting someone at a career fair, I feel like I dont connect well to the person across from me, which may be the reason I am having a hard time getting any [interview] callbacks. What are some ways I can improve my communication skills?"

Again, good question. Experts from every magazine from the "Harvard Business Review" to "Self" emphasize that if there is one component that could keep you from getting what you want is your ability to communicate your thoughts effectively. In my experience (in computer science/engineering where, unfortunately, some people don't bother learning to talk to anyone else) the key differentiator between those who get a job offer (or close a deal) and those who do not is an individual's ability to connect well with others. Here are some tips I use, and some tips I ran into during my research:

*Is anybody there? - There is a high chance that the person in front of you is trying to understand you, and will be able to pick up if you are genuinely reaching out of your comfort zone to speak with them. Use your facial expressions, body language and attentive mannerism to show a genuine interest in the person's thoughts and ideas.
*I'm sorry, I'm a bit nervous - If you are a bit nervous and find yourself stuttering a lot, its okay to say that you are nervous(and infact perfectly natural in first impression situations). Pause (read: breathe) and then continue. Just remember the point you are trying to convey, and continue with that point in mind.
* Hey Fool, leave a message, aite? Peace! - If your voicemail is nothing but funny, or worse, obscene, make sure you change it to something that communicates your name, and your maturity. If your myspace or facebook picture is not something you could show your (conservative) GRANDFATHER, it shouldn't be your profile picture. Being unprofessional can seriously turn off your employer.
* Is there something you suggest?- If you are meeting someone, do not ask what they can do for you. Tell them about your problem, and ask if they have any advice or suggestions for you, and they will automatically be eager figure out new ways to help solve your problem! Try it.
* Follow Through - An important part of communication is what you do after- write those thank you letters (within 24 hours), send a general email connecting (if they could use your help with something you talked about, mention it here), and connect with them on linked-in! Just follow through.

If you are having a hard time, practice communicating professionally with your friends (you will get over how lame it is eventually)-If nothing else, it will make you more comfortable during more professional encounters. Good luck :)

So, whether you are going to your college career fair, a seminar, or were just introduced to someone new, chances are that someone will ask you about what you do or about your background. Don't get caught garbling words, repeating yourself or ranting to figure out what to say. Use an elevator pitch (that is pretend that you have the time span of an elevator ride to convince an executive to hire you) as a well planned "commercial" of who you are and what you offer. Your elevator pitch must answer all of the following questions:

- What is your name?
- What is your major and school (unless its obvious)?
- What is your experience? (personal/professional relevant background)
- Why are you qualified to work for them or their company?
- Why should they hire you? (This one is always underestimated - Be Bold (either they will like you or you will never see them again), and give them something they will remember)

Here is a well done script for an elevator pitch that you may like-

[Firm Handshake] "Nice to meet you. My name is [first name] [last name]. [Hand Them Resume] I am working on (or completing) a [degree] in [subject], and am hoping to work in [subject/company] after I graduate. Currently, I am looking for a [full time/internship] where I can utilize my [subject-specific] skills and contribute to a [challenging/fulfilling] project. I am [talented/hardwork,ambitious - pick any two adjectives that describe you], and [know/feel] that I will be a great asset to [their company]. [Ask them a thoughtful question now, or ask if they have any questions for you]."

The above pitch has worked well for myself and many people I know. Practice, Personalize and Perfect your elevator pitch, and you will have one leg up on your competition! If you have any questions, feel free to email me. Good Luck!