Make the Most of Internship Mania

Internship Mania will be held Wednesday, February 7, 2007, from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm in the UW-Eau Claire - Zorn Arena. More than 80 organizations, including businesses, graduate schools, and state and federal agencies participate in the conference each year.

The Internship Mania is great place for freshmen and sophomore business students to practice networking skills, learn about career options, and discover which companies recruit on campus. Junior and senior students can use the fair to make preliminary contacts with employers for internships or permanent employment after graduation. These contacts can be followed up with more formal interviews either on or off campus.

Internship Mania is sponsored by UW-Eau Claire Student Organizations and Career Services.

» Check out the Internship Mania website

Preparation Events

Dress for Success Fashion Show - Wednesday, January 31, 5:30 - 6:30 pm - See latest attire for the workplace modeled by male and female students in the Davies Theater, Davies Center.

Employer Research Day - Friday, February 2, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Career Services, 230 Schofield Hall - Come and research the prospective employers you would like an internship with.

Early Morning Employer Social - Wednesday, February 7, 8:00 - 10:00 am, Gold Room, Zorn Arena - An informal breakfast with employers.

Tips for a Successful Internship Mania

Before Internship Mania

Identify your career objectives. Think about what you want to do, where you want to live, and which organization you want to work for.

» View the list of organizations registered for Internship Mania

Develop a list of employers you are interested in. Don't just concentrate on the "big names." There are often great opportunities with companies you aren't familiar with. Check out the company's website to find information on the company's history, mission, product lines, news, and career opportunities.
Update your resume. Your resume should look professional-easy to read format and free of typos. Make sure it highlights your knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Think about how you are going to present yourself to the employer. Develop a 30 second sales pitch that includes basic information about yourself and your career objectives. Develop a list of questions you will ask recruiters.

» See Questions You Might Ask Career Fair Representatives
Decide what you'll wear. Dress as professionally as possible -- A suit if you have it, or dress slacks/pants or neat skirt. See sidebar.
Plan to go early. Some employers may need to leave early. If you come at the end of the day, you may miss the organization you wanted to contact.

At Internship Mania

Don't cruise the booths with your friends. Interact with the recruiters on your own. Make your own positive impression!
First impressions are important. Approach an employer, smile, and offer your hand when you introduce yourself. Hand the recruiter your resume and be prepared to expand on it quickly.
Gather information about the company. Ask questions to help you learn how your skills and interests match their needs.
Get a business card. You will want to send this individual a thank you note and/or email.
Follow-up your conversation. Find out if the company is interviewing on campus and ask to get on the interview schedule. If they aren't, ask for a contact name and get information on how to contact this person.
Take notes. Find a quiet spot to jot a few notes on the company and the individuals you have met.

After Internship Mania

Follow up with a thank you note. Show your interest in a company by sending an email and thank you note to the employers you met.

Sources: UW-Eau Claire Career Services website; "Sell Yourself at the Career Fair" by Sara "Sally" Kearsley for JobWeb.com