Lindner career coaches, employer partners offer Career Fair tips
Lindner Career Services staff leans into experience, expertise to help students make the most of the
The University of Cincinnati’s Spring Career Fair is the week of Feb. 11, which means many students may find themselves wandering rows upon rows of companies and smiling recruiters in a transformed Campus Recreation Center gymnasium in the hopes of securing a potential co-op or employment opportunity.
From feeling at ease in a not-quite-broken-in suit to striking up a conversation with a company representative to conducting appropriate follow-up, the career coaches from the Lindner Career Services Center are invaluable resources as students prepare for any career fair.
“Our career coaches help students be their very best — whether that is refining their resume or networking skills to understanding compensation packages,” said Kevin J. Hardy, director of the Lindner Career Services Center. “They also have deep relationships with our employer partners, so are very informed about hiring trends and expectations across disciplines and industries, which ultimately helps them best coach students.”
Getting the most out of a career fair takes some planning, thoughtfulness and intention. Career coaches and academic advisors can help students.
The Spring Career Fair dates are:
- Tuesday, Feb. 11: Non-technical majors.
- Best for most students from the Lindner College of Business, College of Arts & Sciences and College of Education Criminal Justice and Human Services.
- Wednesday, Feb. 12-Thursday, Feb. 13: Technical majors.
- Best for Lindner students majoring in business analytics, information systems, industrial management or operations management, as well as students in College of Engineering and Applied Science and School of IT.
- Friday, Feb. 14: Interview day at respective colleges for participating students and companies.
Below are some favorite bits of wisdom and advice Lindner career coaches find themselves telling students each semester.
Brian Fanelli
“Don’t let yourself be intimidated by an employer. It’s easy to put employers on a pedestal, but they’re human just like you. Do your best to be friendly and engaging, and the rest will fall into place.”
— Brian Fanelli, Assistant Director, Lindner Career Services. Fanelli advises marketing students (last names L-Z).
“I always tell my students to research and apply to positions online before a career fair. Then, when talking with representatives at the company booth, say you have applied, you’re super excited about the role and you wanted to introduce yourself and learn about how those in that role have been successful previously. Fast-track to an interview.”
— Nadia Ibrahim-Taney, Assistant Director, Lindner Career Services. Ibrahim-Taney advises undergraduate information systems students and students in the MS Finance program.
“Professional appearance is your first impression. You don’t want to be remembered for your clothing or accessories. Stick to darker, traditional colors and make professional and conservative choices about jewelry, makeup and shoes. If you look in the mirror and have any doubt, don’t wear it.”
— Angie Lucas, Associate Director, Lindner Career Services. Lucas advises students in the MS Information Systems program.
“It’s more important to be interested than interesting. Focus just as much on learning about the company and opportunities as you do on selling yourself. Don’t ask anything that could be found readily online. Employers appreciate curiosity in addition to adequate research.”
— Liz Pawley, Assistant Director, Lindner Career Services. Pawley advises accounting and tax students.
“Research the companies beforehand so that you know who you want to talk to and what specific questions you want to ask. Your career coach knows the companies for your major and can help you strategize your list. No need to wander aimlessly down rows.”
— Keith Sun, Assistant Director, Lindner Career Services. Sun advises entrepreneurship, industrial management, and operations management students.
“If you are a first-year or second-year student, go to the career fair. Companies may be hiring more juniors or seniors, but may consider younger students who stand out through their experiences, demonstrate genuine interest in the company and want to network and develop experience. Be intentional with who you talk to and what you talk about. Ask what you can do now to prepare for a future co-op or internship, and be sure to get contact information to follow-up and send a thank you.”
— Carly Trimboli, Assistant Director, Lindner Career Services. Trimboli advises marketing student (last names A-K).
Featured image: Calista Falcone, BBA '20, speaks with an employer during the Fall 2019 Career Fair.
About the Lindner Career Services Center
Together with faculty, staff, industry professionals and UC alumni, the mission of Lindner Career Services is to enhance the professional acumen of our Lindner students and empower them to identify and attain personally rewarding careers while fostering mutually beneficial relationships with employers.
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