Career Fair gives Eagles professional advantages and opportunities

Morehead State University students already have access to numerous resources geared toward their own personal success. Thanks to MSU’s Office of Career Services, Eagles have the opportunity to get a professional advantage in both their college journey and career goals through attending the fall Career Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 2. 

At MSU’s Career Fair, you can connect with more employers and graduate programs all while learning about full-time and part-time jobs, internships, co-ops and summer jobs. 

“This is going to be one of the largest career fairs in recent history with over 100 organizations coming to campus to recruit,” said Megan Boone, interim director with MSU’s Office of Career Services. “It’s a chance for students exploring career options to chat with professionals in their fields of interest and a chance for internship and job seekers to make connections. Come dressed professionally and ready to network.” 

Boone also said it's important for underclassmen – even freshmen – to make attending a career fair a priority. 
“I think the biggest misconception still is that it’s just for seniors,” she said. “Students don’t realize the networking component and the opportunities for getting internships. It’s about gaining information and advice to differentiate yourself.” 

Students should take the time to do a bit of preparation before they attend the Career Fair: 

• Dress the part. Make sure you are dressed in business attire and potential employers will immediately take you more seriously. If you don’t have a suit or business jacket, feel free to visit the Suit Bank in the MSU’s Office of Career Services. If you find something that you like and that fits, you can have it without charge. 
• Bring copies of your resume and have an introduction prepared that will serve as what Boone calls your “30-second commercial.” 
• Research the companies and schools that will be in attendance and be prepared with questions to ask them. A representative with Cintas Corporations puts it well, “Come to the Career Fair prepared by researching the companies. When you walk up to the table, maintain eye contact and initiate the conversation. It always impresses me and allows us to have a meaningful conversation when students know about Cintas.” 
• Taper expectations. Some students think they will walk into the Career Fair and walk out with a job. While this can happen, it’s often not the case. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a job interview, land an internship or do some networking that may prove crucial down the road. “It’s as much about who you know as what you know,” Boone said.  

The students who are coming to the Career Fair prepared will be meeting employers who are genuinely seeking potential new employees or interns.

“Attending the Morehead State University Career Fair gives the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service the opportunity to meet our future interns and leaders first hand,” said Mia Farrell, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service human resources specialist. “It is great to put a name with a face and expose students and alumni to the plethora of opportunities that we have available.”  

The MSU Fall Career Fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, at the gym in the Laughlin Health Building.

MSU students and alumni from all majors are encouraged to attend and the event is free and open to the public. Make sure you download the Morehead State Career Fair Plus app, a free application that is available at both Google Play and the Apple App Store.  

Before and after the Career Fair, MSU Career Services is offering several workshops and events to give you even more helpful tools, knowledge and opportunities to aid you in your job search. For more information on how to prepare for the Career Fair, call 606-783-2233 or go to www.moreheadstate.edu/career.   

Upcoming events:

• Internship Basics Workshop- Tuesday, Sept. 25, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Career Center, 150 University Blvd. (ground floor of Camden-Carroll Library). 
• LinkedIn or Left Out- Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2 – 4 p.m., Bert Combs Building, Room 302.