Career fairs offer chance to impress

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Career Services office will host two events for students seeking jobs in the coming months.

On Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the all-majors career fair will focus on students and alumni interested in full-time career entry-level positions and internship opportunities. It will be held in the Convocation Center on UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

A March 9 career fair is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Robinson Ballroom of the Student Center on the Gainesville Campus. Like the earlier event, it is open to students and alumni from all majors. The main difference is this event will also feature employers with part-time jobs available.

Registration for both career fairs is available in Handshake. It is already open for the Dahlonega event and begins Feb. 9 for the Gainesville career fair.

Recruiters from various companies will be present, giving students a multitude of networking opportunities, Dr. Edward Lai, associate director of Career Services, said.

With the event being in-person, there are several key points that students should be aware of, Lisa Walker, Career Services assistant director for employer engagement, said.

"So many things have changed because of the pandemic, and that includes how we prepare and interview for a new job," Walker said. "Students should come to the career fair with a game plan of what companies they want to speak with and learn more about, as well as be prepared to ask informed questions about the company."

My best tip to students at a career fair is to remember to take a breath, smile and speak with confidence. This is an excellent time for students to find a job because there are so many companies hiring right now.

Lisa Walker

Career Services assistant director for employer engagement

Currently, food service, education, law enforcement, health services, shipping and logistics are among the industries registered for the career fairs.

Shaking hands upon meeting someone can be tricky, but Walker offered a solution.

"The most common way to greet someone is with a handshake, but in this day and age, some students and even employers may feel uncomfortable shaking another's hand," Walker said. "It's OK to introduce yourself and explain that you would normally shake their hand, but that you would prefer to refrain from doing so at this time."

Lai said students should bring plenty of copies of their resumes to share with prospective employers.

"My best tip to students at a career fair is to remember to take a breath, smile and speak with confidence," Walker said. "This is an excellent time for students to find a job because there are so many companies hiring right now."

More information is available on the UNG career fairs webpage.