Gov and NonProfit Day Header

Thursday, October 17, 2024
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Siegel Recreation and Activities Center
(ÈâÈ⴫ý Campus - 290 ÈâÈ⴫ý Rd NW, ÈâÈ⴫ý, 30144)

Have you ever considered opportunities in public service, government, or with a non-profit? We have an event that is just for you! Join the Department of Career Planning and Development for the Government and Non-Profit Day! Join us after the Fall Job and Internship Fair to check out jobs in fields you may have never considered.

This event is for students of all majors and class levels to explore opportunities with non-profit organizations, government agencies from all levels (local, state, and federal), and employers in public service. 

Click the button below to see this event in Handshake. You can "Join Event" to get updates and reminders ahead of time!

 

What to Wear

When meeting with a potential employer, you want to present yourself in a professional manner. Dressing professionally is one of the keys to making a great first impression! Remember, business casual or business professional attire is recommended for career fairs. 

Business Professional

  • Keep hair groomed and pulled back from your face
  • Non-athletic / religious headwear
  • Coordinated suit jacket with pants or skirt (knee-length or longer)
  • Button-down top with collar or blouse
  • Coordinating neckwear (tie, bowtie, necklace, etc.)
  • Structured dress (knee-length or longer)
  • Dress Shoes (flats or heels)
  • Coordinating dress socks where appropriate

Business Casual

  • Keep hair groomed and pulled back from your face
  • Non-athletic / religious headwear
  • Blazer, sports coat or cardigan
  • Button-up top, blouse, or good quality knit sweater
  • Polos, short-sleeved shirts, non-collared shirts
  • Dress pants, slacks, or skirts (knee-length or longer)
  • Non-distressed jeans
  • Dress shoes (flats or heels)
  • Dress sandals with heel strap, clean sneakers, or boots

Business Professional image

Business Casual image

How to Prepare

Need help getting ready for this event? Click through the items below for recommendations from Career Planning and Development on how best to prepare for a career fair.

    • Download the Handshake app (free download for and devices) to see the list of registered employers for the upcoming Job & Internship Fairs.

    • You can see all organizations attending the event by clicking on it in Handshake. Check back frequently to see new employers, but more importantly...do your research!

    • Do research inside Handshake, but do not stop there. Find the organization's website to learn more about the company, mission, and any open positions listed on their website, under "Careers," "Employment," "About Us" or similar sections.

    • Use other websites to do research as well. Many employers will have a presence on LinkedIn, where you can learn more about them and even explore who is already employed there and the backgrounds and professional experience of those individuals.

  • How to create a unique elevator speech for each employer:

    1. Hi! I’m (your full name). I’m a/an _____________________ major, graduating in _______.

    2. Next say something interesting about yourself, something that will impress this specific employer.
      • Examples:
        • "I just completed an internship with (company name) in the _____________Department. It was amazing…"
        • "I have a 3.5 GPA and have always excelled academically."
        • "I am the President of ___________, (describe the organization: purpose, # of students…)"

    3. Wrap it up by expressing your interest in the employer: "I am very interested in working with you because…(insert your research)"

    4. Finally: "May I give you my resume?"

    Practice, practice, practice! Know your elevator speech and say it with ease…

    NOTE: 

    Do not leave without requesting a business card, so you are able to write a thank you note within 24 hours. Always attach your resume in your follow up.

  • Your resume needs to be perfect: no spelling or grammar mistakes, in reverse chronological order, and with everything aligned.

    Please review the Career Guidebook for tips on creating a strategic resume, along with additional resume samples available on our website here (click on the link that matches your college under "Resources for Writing Your Resume and Cover Letter").

    NOTES:

    • Resumes should be printed on "resume paper," a slightly heavier paper that typically has a watermark. This paper is available at stores like, Staples, Office Depot, and Walmart.

    • Always bring more resumes than you think you will need. You never know how many employers will stop you and introduce themselves or employers that you decide you'd like to meet.
    • Purchase a leather or pleather portfolio for your resumes
      Include a pen & extra paper for notes tucked inside

    • Smiles & eye contact to make a great impression

    • Firm handshakes for both men & women

    • Always pick up a business card when you meet with an employer, so you can write a thank you note within 24 hours incorporating the notes you’ve written after speaking to an Employer.

    • We have a bag check, so you can always leave your backpack, purse, coat, or other items there. Be unburdened as you navigate the career fair floor.