Eastern Connecticut State University is dedicated to preparing its students for the professional world ahead, and career development activities are a big part of that effort. Career Week was a series of activities and seminars from Oct. 23-25 aimed at helping students prepare for life after eastern. It was sponsored by Eastern’s Center for Internships and Career Development (CICD). The week-long event included seminars, activities and a career and internship fair with 78 regional and national businesses in attendance.
Beginning with a resume building workshop, students were guided through the process of writing and formatting their resumes to professional standards. With free food and drinks provided, the coordinators of the event made comfortable while lending a helping hand in fine-tuning their resumes.
The next event on the schedule was the career fair boot camp. For this seminar, students were given helpful tips about the world of business by volunteering professionals, including Eastern staff as well as members of the Men Achieving Leadership Excellence and Success club (M.A.L.E.S.). The discussion included pointers on everything from how to dress professionally, what mannerisms you should avoid using, and even how to stand or sit correctly during an interview.
Perhaps the most interesting topic of the entire seminar series was how to perform a “power pose”. One of the speakers took to the front of the room and asked all students to stand up. He then guided them on different poses to maintain before, during and after an interview, including keeping your back straight, the angle to keep your arm at when shaking hands and even flexing your muscles every now and then.
The week concluded with the career and internship fair. This was the proving ground where students utilized their new skills. When the doors opened, a flood of students in pressed suits and colorful dresses entered the room, all armed with their own assortment of portfolios, folders and business cards. Some of the most notable companies in attendance included insurance companies such as Travelers, Bankers Life and H.D. Segur, both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos, as well as public service agencies such as Norwich Public Schools and the West Hartford Police Department.
While students of all majors were encouraged to attended, the most sought-after majors included accounting, business administration, communication, education and finance. For the next few hours, students engaged with the companies in casual conversation, discussing everything from where they were from to their personal goals. Those who were well prepared were often asked for their resume, a sign that good things could be on the horizon.
Senior Stephanie Hartnett, who attended the event as both a student and as a representative of Eastern’s Office of Alumni Affairs, described the day as “real successful.” She added, “It’s great to see so many students come out and want to make something for themselves; you can only hope everyone gets a chance at a job.”
At the end of the day, nearly 400 students attended the fair. Those who enjoyed the experience will not have to wait long for their next opportunity, as the CICD will host their next Career Week on April 5, 2018 from 1-4 p.m. in spring 2018.
