Career Fairs: A Golden ticket or just another pen? 🌍🎓🎟️
Firstly, I’d like to say a big thank you to Dan Bello for this lovely book he gave me at the Swansea Employability Academy - SEA Careers fair.
I've witnessed a curious phenomenon at career fairs/events, where students are more excited about the free pens and tote bags than the golden opportunities right in front of them. Don't get me wrong, we all love freebies, but let's not forget what's truly at stake: your future career.
It's disheartening to see students, especially international and graduate students, walk away with only goodies when they could potentially walk away with a prospective job offer or a lead into a specialized grad program. Career fairs are not shopping malls for promotional items; they're platforms for life-changing opportunities.
If you're an undergrad, grad, or international student, clarity about your career goals can turn a simple booth visit into a potential job interview. Grad students, in particular, should focus on specialized roles or programs that align with their skill set and research interests. For example, if you are a Business Management student, you should visit stalls and network with brands that align with that. Talk to businesses that offer roles is Marketing, Strategy consulting, Brand Management/Development, Customer Experience Management etc.
Have your introduction pitch on speed dial 🤭 A simple “Hello my name is Hadiza, I’m currently doing my MSc in Management at Swansea University and would be graduating in January, I look forward to starting a career in Customer Experience Management, and was wondering what a future in your company would be like, for my career goal”. This simple statement gets company reps ready to talk to me, and willing to help me understand what I need.
Yes, pens are useful, but you know what's more useful? A network. A mentor. An internship. A job offer. Or even better, a grad program that aligns perfectly with your academic trajectory. If you're going to stand in line, make sure it's the line that brings you closer to your career aspirations.
Whether you’re an undergrad scouting for internships, a grad student exploring research positions, or an international scholar looking to bring a global perspective to a local role—having clear goals will guide you to the right conversations and meaningful connections.
Let's start treating career fairs for what they truly are; an express elevator to your future career, if only you push the right buttons. So, before you grab that free tote bag, grab the opportunity to shape your career path first!
Thanks to Bright Network Swansea Employability Academy - SEA for organizing some of the best career events I have attended here in the UK.
#SwanseaUni #CareerFairs #brightnetworkfestival #LifeOfAnInternationalStudent #GraduateJobs #FreebiesVsOpportunities #GradStudents #InternationalStudents #GoalSetting #StrategicNetworking
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