UNG Career Services is hosting a virtual career fair for all majors online at 5p.m. on Feb. 18. Students will be able to engage with employers through their Handshake account to find internships and employment opportunities from the comfort of their own home.
Students can register for the event and learn more information by visiting UNG Handshake. Students will be able to choose which employers they meet with and can see the list of employers attending as well.
Career Services recommends that students join the group sessions and one-on-one sessions to learn and connect with the employers they may be interested in.
Did you forget to update your resume? Set up an appointment with Career Services and an advisor will be happy to help you! Also, remember to dress professionally for this virtual occasion. It is important to put your best foot forward because you might just leave the Career Fair with an interview opportunity!
Lori Cleymans is a career specialist and internship coordinator with UNG Gainesville Career Services. She highly recommends students attend the career fair especially if they are searching for an internship. Cleymans said, “You need to start looking for internships anywhere from a year in advance to at least a semester in advance of when you want to do the internship.”
This career fair would be a great place to start if you are actively searching for an internship. However what if you have an internship opportunity come up during the semester and are hesitant about pursuing it due to full time classes? Cleymans said most internships vary in terms of weekly hours depending on when they start. Summer internships are typically between 30-hours and fall and spring internships range from 10 to 20 hours per week.
Be sure you can fully commit to your internship, so you make a positive impression and get the best experience. -Lori Cleymans
With the right resources, diligence, and time management, students can definitely handle an internship while taking classes full time. Justin Bray is a junior communications major focusing on public relations. In a recent podcast, Justin shared his experience of working full time, being a full-time college student, and also working as an intern.
Bray’s biggest piece of advice for internships is to be honest with yourself, especially during the interview process. He said, “ You’re not an employee. You’re doing this to benefit the company just as much as you’re doing this to benefit yourself.” Bray is a full-time student at UNG and works as the program manager for the nonprofit Books For Keeps. He completed a recent internship as a freelancer for a podcast, and he is anticipating another fellowship opportunity this semester.
“An interview is not just a one way street. They aren’t only interviewing you, you’re interviewing them as well.” -Justin Bray
Another opportunity to look into might be Micro Internships. Cleymans said, “These are great opportunities to gain real experience, get paid and not have to commit to a full semester internship. These are project-based opportunities that provide a great avenue for students to gain experience, connect with employers, and build their resume.”
Now is the time to use Handshake to your advantage! Dust off your resume, dress professional, and prepare to meet your employer. Be sure to register for the upcoming career fair; you never know what opportunities await!
