Take steps toward professional success at the Career & Internship Fair  

While Morehead State University students are well into focusing on their studies this fall semester, it is also an excellent time to plan for their future after college.  

The Fall Career & Internship Fair gives MSU students an advantage in career success. The fair is Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Adron Doran University Center (ADUC) ballrooms.  

At MSU's fair, you can connect with regional, state-wide, and even out-of-state employers and graduate programs while learning about full-time and part-time jobs, internships, co-ops, and graduate schools. It is open to MSU students and alumni. 

"Employers want to hire graduates who have hands-on experience in addition to the specific discipline knowledge gained in the classroom. MSU prioritizes ensuring our students have opportunities to engage in high-quality experiential opportunities as part of their learning experience. The career fair is the signature event that connects employers and graduate programs with students who are looking to land internships and co-ops as well as full-time jobs," said Megan Boone, director of MSU's Center for Career Development and Experiential Education (CCDEE).  

First- and second-year students can also benefit from attending the career fair. Seth Smallwood, a sophomore student majoring in agribusiness, said it helped him get a jumpstart on his career when he attended as a first-year student.  

"Attending the Career & Internship Fair in my first semester provided me with valuable knowledge and information about the industry I’m interested in working in. I was able to make connections with employers in that particular area, and they were able to advise me in the right direction regarding my future curriculum choices and which skills they value the most,” Smallwood said. “When it comes to relevant experience or technical skills, internships are highly valued. Making a good first impression on a potential employer at the Career Fair is a great first step in the right direction."  

Students should do a bit of preparation to make the most of their time at the Career & Internship Fair:    

• Dress the part. Make sure to dress professionally, as potential employers will take you more seriously when you make a solid first impression. If you need a suit or business jacket, visit the Suit Bank in the MSU's Center for Career Development and Experiential Education. If you find something you like, you can have it without charge.  
• Bring copies of your resume and have an introduction prepared to serve as what Boone calls your "30-second commercial."     
• Research the companies and schools in attendance and be prepared with questions to ask them. Kayla Harrison, director of talent management at St. Claire HealthCare, puts it well: "When you come to the Career & Internship Fair, have your resume ready in a concise and easy-to-read format. Be prepared to introduce yourself and have some basic knowledge of our organization. This allows us to focus the time we have together on getting to know your strengths and accomplishments. Use the event as a chance to inform yourself, so don't hesitate to ask the recruiters what they are looking for in an intern or employee. We are so excited to meet you and learn about you."   
• Expand your network. It is always early enough to explore industries and start building your network. You could be that student who walks out of the Career & Internship Fair with an offer to interview for a fantastic opportunity that you did not know existed. Many MSU graduates return to campus to recruit talent and are eager to assist current students in achieving career goals. "There are many advantages to attending the fair, from making your name known to employers and graduate schools in your field to getting comfortable interacting in a professional setting," Boone said.  

Students who attend the Career & Internship Fair will also have the unique opportunity to receive a free professional headshot that they can use on their LinkedIn page and other social media accounts. "We want to ensure MSU students have the resources necessary to build a professional presence online and in person," Boone said.  

Representatives at the fair genuinely want to recruit MSU students for jobs, internships, and graduate schools. Debbie Jones, the owner of Jackson Hewitt Tax Services, said, "Participating in the Career & Internship Fair gives Jackson Hewitt Tax Service an opportunity to meet and network with prospective candidates. We are actively recruiting students to fill internship positions. An internship can provide a plus to include on a resume, as well as help the student gain practical knowledge for their own personal benefit going forward."     

Lisa Marcum, Human Resources (HR) Manager with Baldwin CPAs (Certified Public Accountants), said, "We attend the Career & Internship Fair as it is an opportunity to connect. There is no substitute for an in-person interaction that allows us to get to know candidates a bit more. We have open internship positions as well as full-time opportunities. We don't miss a chance to connect with Morehead State University students."     

MSU students and alumni from all majors are encouraged to attend. Download the free Symplicity Jobs and Careers app on Google Play and Apple Store and find out who you can meet at the fair.  

MSU's Center for Career Development and Experiential Education helps students access numerous resources geared toward their success. The CCDEE offers chances to gain real-world learning experiences through education abroad, undergraduate research, service learning, internships and work-study positions. See upcoming events that give students more helpful tools, knowledge, and opportunities.  

Potential employee recruiters can register for the Career & Internship Fair at morehead-csm.symplicity.com/events/Fall23CF. 

For more information about the Center for Career Development and Experiential Education, call 606-783-2233 or visit www.moreheadstate.edu/career.