Written by Dr. Jerri Arnold-Cook, Missouri State University Career Resources Specialist

The countdown has begun, Missouri State University will host both the 2022 Career Expo and Education Career Fair on February 24, 2022, at the Springfield Expo Center. This blog provides information on what you need to know, who can attend this fantastic event, and how to prepare.

Are the Career Expo and Education Career Fair the same or different events? Where can I find information on who is attending?

Both the Career Expo and Education Career Fair are held at the same time and the same location, but they are two different events. The Career Expo is for all majors. Currently, 114 organizations seeking individuals for graduate school, internships, and full-time employment opportunities have registered. A list of who is planning to attend and other details can be found here Career Expo Details 2022. The 2022 Education Career Fair will feature 51 school districts seeking to hire k-12 educators. More information and a list of districts that have registered can be found here Education Fair Details 2022.

Who should attend this FREE networking and career opportunity?

Students from all grade levels and alumni from Missouri State University, Drury, Evangel, and Southwest Baptist University who are seeking internships and full-time employment are encouraged to attend, but this event is not just for job seekers. The MSU Career Center strongly encourages all students to visit the Career Expo or Education Career Fair before they need to find a job. It is a great opportunity to build and maintain a professional network. It also allows individuals to practice introducing themselves and begin learning about organizations or school districts they may want to work for in the future. If you have questions about networking, be on the lookout. The week of February 14^th, we will be featuring a blog post on networking. Registration is not required.

Steps to Ensure You Are Ready

There are six things we recommend you consider doing to prepare for the Career Expo and Education Career Fair.

1. Activate and utilize your Handshake account
2. Attend a Career Fair Prep Workshop
3. Create a plan to dress for success
4. Update Your Resume
5. Develop a 30 Second Walk-Up or Elevator Speech
6. Make a Career Expo/Education Career Fair Plan

Information on the first three steps is provided below.  Our next blog post the week of February 7^th will feature information on our last three steps.

Activate and familiarize yourself with Handshake

Handshake is an online professional career management platform that allows users to create a profile, register and learn out about virtual and face-to-face career-related events, and search for jobs. Handshake profiles can be made visible to employers and some employers review profiles to identify potential candidates. Handshake includes postings for part-time jobs, full-time positions, and internships. Additionally, Handshake can be used to make appointments with Career Center Staff and upload career-related documents for review.

To activate a Handshake account go to Handshake Login and Activation and use your Bear Pass ID and password to log in. The first time a person logs into Handshake they will be asked a series of questions that will be used to begin creating a profile. Information on developing profiles and making them visible can be found here All Your Need to Know About Creating an Effective Profile. To find out more about searching for jobs on Handshake, check out these videos which are less than 3 minutes each: Searching for Jobs on Handshake and Applying for Jobs on Handshake.

Attend a Career Fair Prep Workshop

If you are feeling unprepared or want to know what to expect at the Career Expo or Education Career Fair attend one of our  Career Fair Prep Workshops. They are open to all students and registration is not required. They will be held as follows:

• Wednesday, February 2; 3:00 PM – https://missouristate.zoom.us/j/96703458951
• Tuesday, February 8; 4:00 PM – Strong Hall 200
• Thursday, February 10; 10:00 AM – Temple Hall 143
•  Tuesday, February 15; 1:00 PM – Duane G. Meyer Library 101
•  Wednesday, February 16; 3:00 PM – https://missouristate.zoom.us/j/92218284641
•  Tuesday, February 22; 2:00 PM – https://missouristate.zoom.us/j/92367787420
•  Wednesday, February 23, 1:00 PM – Glass Hall 108

Dress for Success

According to an article in Forbes magazine, individuals have 7 seconds to make a first impression (Making a Positive Impression in Seven Seconds). An article in Forbes magazine states people will decide 12 things about you within seconds of meeting you, including if you are trustworthy, leadership material, successful, or smart (What People Determine Within Seconds of Meeting You). As a result, the Career Center encourages you to determine what you are going to wear in advance and try it on to see how it fits. You will be distracted and unable to fully focus on interacting with others if you are pulling or tugging on clothing because it is too tight, loose, or short.

As you plan your wardrobe, keep in mind, you do not have to have a suit to attend the Career Expo or Career Education Fair, but do consider wearing business professional dress to this event. Check out the MSU Career Center information on business professional and business casual dress.

If you find that you need to purchase career-related clothing, shoes or accessories take advantage of the JCPenny Suit-Up Event. This partnership between Missouri State University and JCPenny allows students, alumni, faculty, and staff an opportunity to get career and professional items at an extra 30% off, some exclusions apply, between January 30 and February 5, 2022. To receive your Extra 30% off coupon text BEARS22 to 67292. The coupon is good for online and in-store shopping at the Battlefield Mall. More details can be at the JCPenny Suit-Up Event.

Be sure to check the Career Center Blog the week of February 7, for Part II of Ensuring You Are Prepared for the Career Fair. In that post, we will be sharing information on resumes, creating a 30-second walk-up or elevator speech, and creating a plan to conquer the Career Expo and Education Career Fair. The week of February 14, the Career Center Blog will focus on utilizing career events to build and maintain a professional network.