The Center for Internships and Career Development (CICD) at Eastern Connecticut State University held a career week for current Eastern students in early October. The week was designed to help students build their resumes and learn how to talk to employers. During the week students and faculty were invited to three different events to become educated on the job search process.

The week kicked off with “Career Fair Boot Camp,” where employer partners of the CICD, Jillian Doll of Foley Carrier Services and Cristina Taylor of Verizon Wireless, spoke to students about how to prepare for a career fair and talk to employers.

“The employers shared with the students how to navigate a career fair and how to network, how to talk to potential employers and how to dress successfully,” said Cliff Marrett, director of the CICD. “They also talked about bringing multiple resumes, and equipped them with the right questions to ask employers.”

Lastly, the career and internship fair took place in the Francis E. Geissler Gymnasium. The CICD hosts a career and internship fair once every semester. This semester’s fair comprised 68 employers ranging from Travelers and Cigna to the FBI and Northwestern Mutual. “A lot of students were happy with the turnout of employers,” said Marrett. “Students left excited, hoping for a phone call or an e-mail back.”

Students were able to gain insight into job openings and descriptions at various companies. “I would say that the majority of my conversations with students at Eastern were positive,” said Steven O’Keefe, administrative principal from Foresters Financial. Many of them will be invited to informational group session interviews to learn more about the position/internship so we can learn more about them individual.” O’Keefe added, “Overall, my general advice to students at career fairs is simple: be enthusiastic about being there and be interested in the conversations you engage in.”

Josh DeSouza, an Eastern senior, reflected on the week: “Through direct interactions with businesses at the career fair, students like myself were able to secure first-round interviews with companies. I am grateful Eastern allows for companies to come to speak to students about career and internship opportunities.”