The iChoose Seminar is all about the beginning of the process, explore. However, now that you have become familiar with the unique set of attributes, strengths, and passions that set you apart from the crowd, it is up to you to discover and describe how your abilities suit the culture, mission, and strategy of the company you want to work or intern for. It's all about doing your homework, a task that should be all too familiar for you from your time as Babson. Conduct research on a selection of the companies attending the internship fair that interest you. There is a plethora of resources available to you including, but not limited to, Career Connections, the alumni directory, Horn Library, the company's website, Google, Wall Street Journal, news sites, and many more. Once you have a firm grasp on the company's history, direction, current state/goals, and their culture, you will be comfortable with the common ground you share with the recruiter, impress him or her, make meaningful contributions to the conversation, and effectively market yourself.
Below are some basic questions to ask an employer.
- Can you tell me more about the full-time/summer internship opportunities?
- What skills are you seeking in new hires?
- What personal qualities do you consider critical to being successful in this job?
- How has [mention a business trend or current event] affect the company/your work?
- What is the work environment like at [company name]?
- What do you like most about [company name]?
- What are the typical assignments of new employees?
- How do I apply for positions at [company name]?
How should you look? How else can you prepare?
- First impressions are crucial. Dress in conservative, well-pressed, appropriate business attire.
- Portray a positive attitude. Be confident, curious, and friendly.
- Be organized! Bring a portfolio with pockets for incoming & outgoing business cards.
- Bring enough copies of your resume, paper, a pen or pencil, and sharpie
- Place your name tag on the right side of your chest with large, legible writing
- You can go with a friend, but don't compete with or rely on him/her.
- Don't go hungry or distracted, keep your mind on the task instead of holding drinks or food
- Scale the room, define your strategy and keep your perception open.
- Keep your conversations from 3-5 minutes, make notes afterwards on the discussion
- Keep open body language, appear approachable and engaging
- Stand up straight, smile, maintain eye contact, remember to give the employers their personal space
- Be the first person to extend your hand, give a firm handshake while maintaining eye contact
- Depart from the conversation with another handshake and refer to the employer by name
- Don't speak too softly or too quickly, make the interaction a conversation rather than a Q&A
- Be a good, active listener
- Remember how many students each employer is meeting with. Differentiate yourself without dominating his or her time.
The internship fair is about the needs of the employers so remember not to focus on yourself, but instead how you can meet their needs and help the company. Think about how you want to be remembered, prepare key points about yourself and your qualifications that you can enthusiastically communicate within a minute. The more you practice and are comfortable with your introduction, the stronger and smoother your initial impression will be (and stick in the employer's mind). When you wrap up the conversation, ask for what you need! This could mean keeping in touch, building your network, seeking additional information or an introduction, initiating an informational interview, or additional needs that arose from listening and inquiring throughout the conversation. Offer your business card and resume. Ask the employer to contact you if a internship related to your field of interest arises at their company.
Example of an engaging wrap-up statement:
Alan, thank you again for coming to Babson. I’ll be here for the next four years. If there is anything I can do for you, let me know. I’m taking a class with Professor X. I think some of her current research is right up your alley, I’d be happy to make an introduction if you’re interested. Also, I’m beginning to get involved with the Marketing Club. If you’d ever like to be involved in a club program to connect with marketing students, let me know.
May I have your business card and keep in touch?
Following Up
- Take a few minutes to digest the conversation
- Write some notes: What did you learn? How can you help them? How can they help you?
- Send a thank you e-mail within 24 hours referencing the meeting and conversation, offer resources and connections, follow up on requests, and include a copy of your resume
- Update your contact/networking database
Soon you'll be a seasoned pro at marketing yourself, but always remember that an education revolving around entrepreneurial thought and action sets you apart from other candidates across the globe. Entrepreneurial thought and action generates success in a volatile economy, promotes innovation, embraces change, sparks passion, strategically identifies and solves problems, takes risks, creates opportunities, and effectively utilizes resources at hand. Market your Babson experience and the tools that your challenging, but rewarding education has equipped you with. When you connect with employers though careful research and preparation, it will come as no surprise to you when you arrive at last next step: achieve.
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