It may seem daunting to start planning for your career while still an undergrad — but the time to start planning is now.

Iowa State offers many opportunities for students to get their foot in the door with companies from all over the country. It is important to get some experience meeting employers and leaving an impression that will make them want to set up an interview up with you.

ISU alumni share what they wish they had known while they were attending the career fairs. 

Name: Kevin O’Grady

Major: Finance

Graduation Year: 2010

Current Job: State Street Bank & Trust as a fund accountant

Advice: “First impressions are what the career fair is all about. You should have a pre-planned 60- to 90-second introduction to give the recruiter an opportunity to understand your background, skills, experience level, grade/graduation date and why you are interested in the position or company. You should already know what the job title or internship is called and ask for more information.”

 

Name: Laura Knudson

Major: Marketing

Graduation Year: 2009

Current Job: Project manager for Tribal DDB

Advice: “During career fair time, I wish I would have kept a more open mind when looking at different positions and companies.”

 

Name: Catherine Finn

Major: Marketing

Graduation Year: 2010

Current Job: Marketing analyst intern

Advice: “Prepare ahead of time. I think some people assume that they can just show up and ‘wing it,’ but it’s super important to research the companies you’re interested in so that you know what questions to ask. They talk to hundreds of students throughout the day, so find a way to distinguish yourself from the rest so when you send them a follow-up e-mail or land an interview they will remember you.”

 

Name: Adam Bianchi

Major: Forestry

Graduation Year: 2009

Current Job: Timber sale administrator

Advice: “My best advice is to ask yourself what you are looking for at the career fair. A job is not an adequate answer. You should be prepared with a clear and succinct description of what you are seeking. If you do your homework, what you are in search of should match quite nicely with what they desire.”