As Fall Career Days quickly approaches, many Liberal Arts students will be busy researching employers, revising their resumes, and practicing their introduction to recruiters.

Large scale events like the career fair can often seem overwhelming and stressful, especially for Liberal Arts majors. In the Career Enrichment Network, we hear a lot of similar questions from Liberal Arts students regarding the fair, including: What can I expect at the fair? Is it worth attending the fair? Do Liberal Arts majors have success securing positions as a result of the fair?

To help answer some of these questions, we want to share the experience of a current Liberal Arts student who attended Fall Career Days. Todd, a Labor and Employment Relations and Psychology double major, has had a variety of experiences at the fair, including securing an internship in Human Resources. Here is a brief summary of Todd’s career fair experiences.

Freshman and Sophomore Years:

Many freshmen and sophomores don’t think about attending the fair because they are not actively searching for internships or full-time positions. But attending the fair now can be less stressful, give you more confidence in speaking with recruiters, and help you prepare for future visits to Fall Career Days when you really need to make it count! Volunteering at the fair is also a great way to check out the event.

Here is what Todd had to say about his first two times attending the fair:

I was not sure if companies would be interested in me this early on in my college career, but what I have gained in those two years will be with me forever. Exposing myself to the slightly uncomfortable first conversations with recruiters not only helped me gain confidence, but also showed me what to expect. To my surprise, the recruiters were SO nice and inviting.

Although I did not end up scoring an internship my freshman or sophomore year, I gained invaluable knowledge, experience and confidence that I was able to take with me to the Career Days my junior year. While most of my friends were stepping into the BJC for their first Career Days overcome with so much anxiety and nerves, I already had two years of experience under my belt, and I was eager to begin my internship search.

Junior Year:

The majority of juniors attending Fall Career Days are hoping to secure a summer internship. After all the prep-work – researching companies, searching for open positions, tailoring your resume, practicing your talking points – it is finally time to approach recruiters at their booths. After you have a conversation with a recruiter and hand him/her your resume, don’t be surprised if he/she asks you to also submit your application online. This doesn’t mean the recruiter doesn’t like you. Most companies simply require this step in the formal application process.

In his junior year, Todd had a similar experience:

The first company I went to was Liberty Mutual. The conversation went great, until they asked me to apply online. I assumed that meant “don’t call us, we’ll call you” and I was immediately discouraged. To my surprise, I actually received a call for a phone interview a couple weeks after I applied online. Fast forward to January 2014, I was being flown to Boston for a final round interview with Liberty Mutual. I ended up receiving and choosing that internship and it was the best decision. An interesting fact I learned during my time at Liberty is that when recruiters tell you to apply online, they really do check the online applications.

After speaking with recruiters at the fair and submitting your application, don’t be surprised if you are selected for an interview! If you end up securing an internship in the business/private sector, make sure to apply for the Chapel Executive Internship Program like Todd did. You could receive $5,000 in enrichment funds to support your internship.

Here is what Todd had to say about his internship experience:

I ended up choosing Liberty Mutual because it seemed the most fitting for all of my needs, and I absolutely loved every second of my internship. I learned so much from that experience, and the Career Fair made all of it possible. I was the Human Resources Intern, and I was able to apply so much of what I have learned in my classes to the actual workforce. I made life long friends, memories and gained invaluable knowledge that I will take with me forever.

Another plus of scoring an internship was that I became eligible for The Virginia Todd Chapel Executive Internship Program. This funding helped cover all of my housing and food expenses while in Boston for the summer, and I would not have had such a great experience this summer if it were not for that funding. I definitely encourage everyone to apply to it!

Senior Year (This Year!)

I think it is clear at this point that Todd is pretty much a career fair expert! His previous experiences have calmed his nerves and made him confident in his approach this year.

My plan for this Career Fair is to do my research before hand, choose what companies/positions available match my interests, and practice my thirty second pitch to the recruiter. I will also be working on perfecting my resume to bring with me.

My strategy is to stay calm, confident and driven. It’s a common thought that recruiters are “scary” to talk to, but showing confidence and enthusiasm will make you stand out. I am looking forward to Fall Career Days this year because I know what to expect and I am ready for it.

Seniors, also remember that we do not post full-time positions in Network Symplicity. As you are doing research for the fair, make sure to visit the organization’s website to search for open internships and full-time positions, Network Symplicity for internships, and the Nittany Lion Career Network for full-time positions.

I hope that Todd’s experience has shown that Liberal Arts majors can have success at large scale events like Fall Career Days. We encourage you to approach the fair as an excellent networking and professional development opportunity.  If you do plan to attend, be confident and make the most of the experience.  See you at the fair!