Career Fairs = Insights from Jobseekers
College career fairs are back in full swing and it’s the perfect setting for Ascend's Career Mentors to meet face-to-face with early-in career Hoosiers seeking internship or career opportunities. Through our collaborations with 23 Indiana colleges and universities, our Career Mentors visit college campuses, share details about the benefits of a career with Indiana employers and listen to what’s on the minds of college students.
Some common themes we hear:
- Early-in-career jobseekers become frustrated and feel a sense of defeat when they don’t hear back from employers, even if the answer is “no.”
- Students overwhelmingly mention interest in tech careers, including those in information technology, cybersecurity and computer science.
- Many students have internship requirements for graduation, yet they are concerned they won’t be able to find a work-based opportunity.
Knowing what students encounter as they search for careers and internships helps our Career Mentors provide valuable guidance. These insights can also inform employers and their approach to early-in-career talent recruitment.
We asked our Career Mentors a few questions about their one-on-one conversations with college students. Read what they had to say:
What are students most stressed about in their internship/job search?
Bob: “Students are most stressed about not hearing back from employers they applied with. The lack of control over the process and the outcome can be stressful for students who have had control during their college years. Being “ghosted” by an employer frustrates them. They would much rather hear “no” than nothing at all.”
Bryce: “A common theme I see is that students are afraid of “missing out” and not securing an internship for graduation requirements or not having a job lined up as they approach graduation.”
Christy: “That there is going to be a job available to them after graduation and or will they land a great internship.”
Taylor: “Most seem to use the Network after they have already tried using other platforms and have no luck landing a role. Most people state that they’ve applied to many jobs and have not heard back from anyone.”
Abby: “Not being able to find a full-time job upon graduation or not being able to find an internship that is required for their degree.”
What Indiana jobs or sectors are students asking about the most?
Bob: “Tech jobs are the most in-demand by students. It seems like at least half of the students that I meet with are studying some kind of technology: web/software development, IT support, cybersecurity, UX/UI design and data management & analysis.”
Bryce: “The tech industry is what I get the most questions about. These students are typically interested in data science, cybersecurity, and IT. I have also started to see more questions about AI roles.”
Christy: “Cyber security, finance, data analytics”
Taylor: “Most students are asking about computer science/data science/cybersecurity roles. Anything related to IT!”
Abby: “Central Indiana, Indianapolis, and hybrid/remote options.”
What is your favorite piece of advice you like to give to students at career fairs?
Bob: “The advice I give at career fairs is to sign up for the Ascend Network! It’s a free resource targeted to support students in the market for valuable experience gaining internships and early-in-career full-time jobs. It is a resource you can use throughout your college career and then find a job after graduation.”
Bryce: “This is a simple thing, but I enjoy telling students to be confident and believe in themselves. A lot of times students are nervous, speaking quietly and not making eye contact. After sharing advice and asking them to introduce themselves again, the difference in how they present themselves can be night and day.”
Christy: “Don’t panic, it seems overwhelming right now, however, you will soon be in your big boy/girl job doing great things.”
Taylor: “I encourage them to tailor their resumes to each job description and application. I also emphasize the importance of writing cover letters!”
Abby: “Utilize your network when job searching!”
What is the value of having face-to-face contact with students?
Bob: “I like in-person meetings with students because you can get a better understanding of their soft skills. This helps me determine what to include on their resume and the kind of roles they might be interested in. Also, it allows me to show them the Network and review the resources available and how to best navigate the site.”
Bryce: “It aligns well with our focus on providing one-on-one support. This is a unique feature of the Ascend Network, and connecting face-to-face helps show this to students. It is always exciting to see students sign up for the Network after meeting them at a campus event.”
Christy: “Better communication, sincerity, empathy. You can see/feel their body language.”
Taylor: “Face-to-face contact allows for a more tailored approach to working with students as you’re able to meet them where they are and provide support that is directly relevant to their situation. It also provides a chance to see one’s nonverbal communication which speaks volumes to their confidence, thoughts and feelings. I love being able to build more intentional relationships with students through meeting face-to-face, showing them the importance of having a Career Mentor who desires to help them succeed.”
Abby: “Being able to grab their attention and clearly answer any questions they may have.”