5 Tips to Land Your Dream Job or Internship

From the office of Career Pathways, here's how to prepare for upcoming Manhattan College career fairs.

Manhattan College students have a distinct advantage when it comes to getting internships and jobs because of our access to New York City and the multitude of companies headquartered here. There are also many alumni looking to provide fellow Jaspers with great career opportunities. 

Attending a Manhattan College career fair gives you face to face time with top employers in your industry. The Office of Career Pathways hosts multiple career fairs for all majors throughout the year. Here are five tips to prepare for a career fair, by Caitlin Duggan, assistant director of employer relations, and Rachel Cirelli, director of career services.

  • 1. Have a plan

    Student shaking hands with recruiter and smiling at the Manhattan College career fair

    Attending a career fair can be an overwhelming experience, especially because, in many cases, there are so many employers to meet. Luckily, most hosting colleges will provide a list of attending companies and available positions at least a few days beforehand. Make a list of the top companies you want to meet and allot enough time and energy to make a stop at each.

  • 2. Do your research

    video of black and white cat typing on computer keyboard

    A sure way you can stand out to employers is to demonstrate how you believe they stand out as a company. Once you have identified the companies you want to meet, read up on their mission, available positions and other pertinent information. All of this research will highlight your overall interest in the company and ingratiate you to the employer.

  • 3. Get yourself and your documents ready

    Students looking at their folder of information at the Manhattan College career fair in Kelly Commons

    Before heading to the fair, you want to make sure you are dressed the part. Additionally, you will want to bring many copies of your resume to hand out. Ideally, these resumes will be toted around in a nice folder or portfolio. Luckily for Manhattan College students, career counselors and peer career advisors (PCAs) are available five days a week to review and critique resumes. There is also a suit closet where students can borrow suits in a variety of styles.

  • 4. Prepare your ‘30-second pitch’

    Male student dressed in a suit shaking hands with a recruiter at the Manhattan College career fair.

    Handing your resume to a recruiter is just part of the career fair experience. When you approach the company representative, provide a succinct and clear statement that introduces you, your professional experience and how you can add value to the company. This is another great place to showcase your knowledge of their organization.

  • 5. Follow Up

    Ariel from the Little Mermaid waving happily.

    Recruiters are meeting many potential candidates throughout the day of a career fair. After the fair, make sure to follow up with all of the representatives you met. This is a great place to say thank you, reiterate your interest in the position and prove you are an ideal candidate. If you can, share something specific about your conversation that will trigger their memory.

    More than half of students complete an internship leading to full-time employment after graduation. Find the perfect fit for you by taking advantage of all that Manhattan College has to offer.

By MC Staff