Monmouth’s Career Development is hosting its first in-person Internship & Career Fair in two years on Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 1-4 p.m. in the OceanFirst Bank Center (OFBC).
According to Jeffrey Mass, Director for Employment Engagement, this event is designed for students to network with multiple employers across various industries, thereby increasing the probability of future opportunities like internships and full-time positions.
“Well over 100 leading employers from various sectors will be participating, including Goldman Sachs, Barnabas Health, BDO USA LLP, BetMGM, CentraState Healthcare, Commvault, IRS, Merck & Co., New Jersey Resources, Press Communications, Reckitt, Robert Half, SHI International, and many more,” said Mass.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Career Development has hosted its bi-annual fall and spring fairs via virtual platforms, such as Handshake.
Beth Ricca, Executive Director for Career Development, emphasized the department’s excitement to host an in-person fair this semester. “We are thrilled to be back in person for this semester’s fair! I can’t wait to see students dressed professionally, resumes in hand, and ready to meet with employer representatives. We’ve also missed hosting our employer-partners on campus!”
She continued, “For many Monmouth students this will be their first in-person career fair, so it’s normal to feel unsure and nervous. Students should know they are not alone in feeling this way, and our employer representatives understand students may be apprehensive.”
Career Development has a multitude of services available to properly prepare students for these types of events.
Harry Termyna, Career Coach and Adjunct, described what his day-to-day looks like in assisting students with their professional aspirations.
He said, “A lot of my appointments with students are about reviewing resumes, job searching, discussing best networking practices, interview practice, and crafting an elevator pitch.”
Each of the career coaches at Career Development also have school specialties, tailoring their advice to fit the needs of that specific student. For example, Termyna works with students in the Leon Hess Business School, School of Education, and School of Nursing and Health Studies.
On the other hand, Mariagrazia Buttitta, Career Coach, collaborates with students belonging to the School of Science, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Social Work, as well as undeclared majors. Nonetheless, the career coaches make themselves available to any and all students seeking help.
“Career development is a process. It’s not something that happens overnight. Exploration at events like the one coming up is key for students’ professional development,” noted Buttitta.
Buttitta also mentioned some of the misconceptions students may have when pursuing the Career Development’s resources. “Students come in here thinking that we hand them opportunities, but in actuality we give them the tools necessary to be successful…Ultimately, it is up to them to take initiative.”
She added, “The sooner students take control of their professional journey, the better off they are post-graduation.”
Termyna discussed potential challenges students face when deciding whether or not to attend a career fair. “For a lot of students, this is their first large, in-person networking event they have ever had the opportunity to attend, so nerves and unfamiliarity may be factors in one’s hesitation,” said Termyna.
He continued, “But, there is really no reason to let nervousness stop you from taking advantage of these opportunities to network and meet new people. The recruiters come because they want to be here. They love interacting with students and matching them with prospects that best fit their interests and skillset.”
Ricca concurred, “Don’t let nerves prevent you from participating in the fair. In today’s job market, all students should participate in at least one internship to be as competitive as possible for finding careers of their choice, and attending the fair is a great step towards finding those internships.”
Termyna concluded, “The fair is for all students of all years to start thinking about career development and its importance. By attending, you are not signing up for any commitments; instead, you are speaking with professionals to better understand your interests. Go to the fair with an open mind, ready to explore all the possibilities that await.”
Buttitta had some advice for how students should conduct themselves at the fair. “Collect business cards, hand out copies of your resume, dress professionally, and, most importantly, smile and have fun!”
“Make good eye contact with the recruiters, shake hands, and introduce yourself. Be sure to ask for business cards so you can connect with the employers on LinkedIn afterwards,” added Ricca.
Career coaches and other Career Development staff will be at the fair to help students who may be unsure of what to do when they arrive to OFBC.
