Tips for Making the Most of Career Week at RWU

With the Career Fair on Wednesday, an RWU career advisor and student offer advice on networking with potential employers

Courtney Dell’Agnese ’19
Ayla Callahan
Ayla Callahan, a student intern in the RWU Center for Career & Professional Development, shares some reasons why students should attend Career Week events.

BRISTOL, R.I. – Are you graduating in May and researching career opportunities? Or for now simply interested in exploring internships within a variety of fields? From Monday, April 2 to Thursday, April 12, the RWU Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) is offering myriad resources and networking events to guide students on a successful pathway toward a career.

The annual Career Week at RWU features help with writing résumés, expert tips on getting into graduate school and building your confidence in speaking with employers, insights from professional leaders across all kinds of industries, and networking with numerous employers at the annual Career Fair on Wednesday, April 4, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Campus Recreation Center Field House.

In preparation for the many events offered during Career Week, here are some tips from Alexandra Finney, assistant director of the CCPD Student Advising Team, and Ayla Callahan, a student intern in the CCPD, on making the most out of the opportunity:

  • “Recruiters who come to the Career Fair are friendly – they want to recruit RWU students and alumni,” Finney said. “Making a connection with them here is a great way to get your foot in the door of a company.”
     
  • Do your research first! Visit Hawks Hunt or use the Career Fair Plus App to learn which companies are hiring.
     
  • Be confident to just go right up and start asking questions. They’re here to talk to you. “The biggest benefit I have received from attending the Career Fair was being more comfortable in talking to employers, to not be scared and just be myself,” Callahan said.
     
  • That said, prepare a customized 30-second pitch about yourself.
     
  • Bring résumés or business cards to leave with the recruiters – they’ll be more likely to connect with you after the event.
     
  • Follow up with the people that you meet. It shows initiative and a genuine interest in the company or position.
     
  • Don’t just stop by one table and be done. Network with as many employers as possible. “When you talk to different industries and employers, you can get a better sense of what direction you may want to go in for your career,” Callahan said.
     
  • And, finally, dress professionally. It’s always better to be on the formal side, than to be underdressed.

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