The FIT Job Fair

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Each semester the Career and Internship Center hosts a job fair that has over fifty different companies and even more potential employers. Despite being a senior, I attended this fair for the first time yesterday.

Although it is called a “job” fair, many companies are also looking for interns. Ralph Lauren and J.Crew are two companies that have programs set up for summers of rising seniors. Unfortunately, I am not eligible for these as I am going to be graduating, but it was extremely helpful to have this “practice run” and see not only which companies attend, but how their representatives interact with the students.

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Macy’s is always a popular table

The fair is very fast paced as there are usually lines, some quite long, to meet with one or two representatives for each company. For the most part it is a two to five minute conversation discussing your ideal department to be placed in, as well as the steps for applying. Having many copies of your resume is absolutely necessary as everyone you meet will take one and make notes on it to remember you. Having some examples of your work is a good idea. Although none of the employers asked to see mine, even when offered, those applying for design positions often were asked.

A nice touch is to bring your business cards with your email and a link to your online portfolio or website, although it is certainly not necessary.

–Emily–