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Work-based experiences for both students and alumni can provide pathways into in-demand roles and unique skill-building opportunities. UMGC’s fair is designed to connect job seekers to entry-level, career-launching opportunities. This event will host multiple employers, allowing attendees to explore open opportunities and engage with recruiters all on one platform.

The advantage of the is the accessibility. You can live anywhere in the world and engage with employers. Continue below for 5 steps to ensure success at the .Ìý

Join theÌýPrepÌýSessionÌýWebinar

BeforeÌýtheÌýFair, be sure to register and attendÌýthe UMGC Ìýto learn more about the event, the open positions, how to navigate the platform and practice your elevator pitch. TheÌýprep session is interactive and will feature a guest speaker—typically an employer scheduled to attend theÌýfair.Ìý

During the session,ÌýÐÒ¸£±¦µ¼º½ careerÌýadvisingÌýspecialists will share ways to make the most out of the career fair. Register for theÌýprepÌýsessions by clicking the link .

Update Your ResumeÌý

WhenÌýregisteringÌýfor theÌýUMGC VirtualÌýInternPLUSÌýFair,Ìýyou’llÌýhave theÌýoptionÌýofÌýsubmittingÌýyour resume.ÌýÌýhas two great tools toÌýhelp you create or update your resume.Ìý

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý providesÌýinstant feedback on your resume.Ìý

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý allows you to build a customized resume. Once uploaded, recruiters will have access to your resume before, during, and after the Fair.

Register for theÌýUMGC Virtual InternPLUS Fair

NowÌýthat your resume is ready,Ìýit’sÌýtimeÌýto registerÌýfor theÌý.ÌýWhen youÌýregister,Ìýyou’llÌýcreateÌýa profileÌýandÌýhave a chance toÌýuploadÌýyour resume.ÌýAfterÌýcompletingÌýthese stepsÌýyou’llÌýbe ableÌýtoÌýview the list of employersÌýattendingÌýthe event and the openings they are hiring for.Ìý

Research Potential EmployersÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýÌý

Once you’ve reviewed the list of companies participating in the fair, take the time to research the ones you’re interested in and any job openings that fit your background and skills. This step is often overlooked and can cost you an opportunity to move forward in the process.

If you find an opportunity you are interested in, apply for it! Researching ahead of time will ensure you are prepared to speak one-on-one with recruiters. Applying for a position before the fair will also demonstrate to recruiters how interested you are in their organization and its career opportunities.

Practice Your Pitch

A great aspect ofÌýa virtualÌýcareerÌýfair isÌýattendees havingÌýthe chanceÌýto chat one-on-one with recruiters. This meansÌýclear,Ìýeffective written communication should be a top priority. TakeÌýsomeÌýtime to write,Ìýedit, and refineÌýyour written introduction.

This introductionÌýshouldÌýinclude the following:

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý HighlightÌýyour key strengths and qualifications,Ìý

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý ExpressÌýinterest in the organization or industry.

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý ExplainÌýhow your skills and interests align with the needs of the employer.

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý FeatureÌýyour personal ‘why.’Ìý

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Your pitch should be concise, avoid slang, emojis and write in full sentences.

Prepare a few questions in advance for each recruiter to maximize the time you have with them and take detailed notes during the event.ÌýÌý

As always, keep in mind that UMGC Career Services is available to help you plan and achieve career success. with a UMGC Career Advising Specialist for additional support in your career journey.

Rhoda Smackum is a manager in Career Services at University of Maryland Global Campus. She has extensive experience helping individuals assess and leverage skills and talents to achieve success. Ms. Smackum enjoys working collaboratively, in partnership with students and alumni to identify career issues, match values with career choices and obtain meaningful work. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Bowie State University and a Bachelor of General Studies degree from the University of Maryland College Park. She is a Certified Master of Career Services (CMCS) and an Associate Certified Career Coach.