58 Davenport University Career Services Guide WHOSHOULDATTENDCAREERFAIRS? Freshmen Sophomores Juniors Seniors • Start learning about and interacting with companies that employ in your chosen major • Explore career options • Develop relationships to add to your network early • Use this time to identify companies with internships and who might offer informational interviews and job shadowing • Start developing a more professional communication image with more carefully chosen words • Focus on what you are going to do to gain valuable experience before you graduate • Start exploring internship opportunities because the application process can take place up to a year in advance of its start date • Ask employers who hire individuals with your degree about their timelines for internship programs and what type of experience they prefer • Consider part-time student employment or Work-Study to gain pertinent skills • Gaining field-related experience is one of the most important qualifications for recent graduates • Secure an internship, this is the time to do it • Develop positive and significant relationships with employers and recruiters • Remind recruiters that you have met them here before and build a personal relationship with them • Applying for jobs now, you’re graduating soon • Get this is the time to get in front of employers you have been dying to meet • Speak to HR Professionals about what they look for in applicants and on applications • Maximize your visibility and relationship-building at these fairs to save yourself days of job- hunting later • START SEARCHING AND NETWORKING NOW! DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU GRADUATE ATTENDTHEDU& REGIONALCAREERFAIRS