Work-based experiences for both students and alumni can provide pathways into in-demand roles and unique skill-building opportunities. UMGC’s fair is designed to connect job seekers to entry-level, career-launching opportunities. This event will host multiple employers, allowing attendees to explore open opportunities and engage with recruiters all on one platform.
The advantage of the is the accessibility. You can live anywhere in the world and engage with employers. Continue below for 5 steps to ensure success at the .
Join thePrepSessionWebinar
BeforetheFair, be sure to register and attendthe UMGC to learn more about the event, the open positions, how to navigate the platform and practice your elevator pitch. Theprep session is interactive and will feature a guest speaker—typically an employer scheduled to attend thefair.
During the session, careeradvisingspecialists will share ways to make the most out of the career fair. Register for theprepsessions by clicking the link .
Update Your Resume
Whenregisteringfor theUMGC VirtualInternPLUSFair,you’llhave theoptionofsubmittingyour resume.has two great tools tohelp you create or update your resume.
· providesinstant feedback on your resume.
· allows you to build a customized resume. Once uploaded, recruiters will have access to your resume before, during, and after the Fair.
Register for theUMGC Virtual InternPLUS Fair
Nowthat your resume is ready,it’stimeto registerfor the.When youregister,you’llcreatea profileandhave a chance touploadyour resume.Aftercompletingthese stepsyou’llbe abletoview the list of employersattendingthe event and the openings they are hiring for.
Research Potential Employers
Once you’ve reviewed the list of companies participating in the fair, take the time to research the ones you’re interested in and any job openings that fit your background and skills. This step is often overlooked and can cost you an opportunity to move forward in the process.
If you find an opportunity you are interested in, apply for it! Researching ahead of time will ensure you are prepared to speak one-on-one with recruiters. Applying for a position before the fair will also demonstrate to recruiters how interested you are in their organization and its career opportunities.
Practice Your Pitch
A great aspect ofa virtualcareerfair isattendees havingthe chanceto chat one-on-one with recruiters. This meansclear,effective written communication should be a top priority. Takesometime to write,edit, and refineyour written introduction.
This introductionshouldinclude the following:
· Highlightyour key strengths and qualifications,
· Expressinterest in the organization or industry.
· Explainhow your skills and interests align with the needs of the employer.
· Featureyour personal ‘why.’
· Your pitch should be concise, avoid slang, emojis and write in full sentences.
Prepare a few questions in advance for each recruiter to maximize the time you have with them and take detailed notes during the event.
As always, keep in mind that t Career Services is available to help you plan and achieve career success. with a UMGC Career Advising Specialist for additional support in your career journey.
Rhoda Smackum is a manager in Career Services at University of Maryland Global Campus. She has extensive experience helping individuals assess and leverage skills and talents to achieve success. Ms. Smackum enjoys working collaboratively, in partnership with students and alumni to identify career issues, match values with career choices and obtain meaningful work. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Bowie State University and a Bachelor of General Studies degree from the University of Maryland College Park. She is a Certified Master of Career Services (CMCS) and an Associate Certified Career Coach.
