Expo: FAQs

Wondering whether attending the Communications Networking Expo is worth your time? What the heck you’re supposed to do? Who’s coming to the Expo? What it will look like?

Hopefully my list of Possibly Asked Questions will help you out. Comment if you have unanswered questions.

Umm… when and where is it?

Why isn’t it just called a “career fair” instead of a “networking expo”?

No booths?! How do I know who is who?

How will it be set-up?

How should I dress? 

Should I bring my resume?

Do I have to stay the entire time?

What am I supposed to do?

Which organizations are coming?

Is it really worth my time?

Umm… when and where is it?

Tomorrow (Thursday, February 25) from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom on the second floor.

Why isn’t it just called a “career fair” instead of a “networking expo”?

Because it’s not a career fair. What?! The expo won’t have booths  for organizations and it’s not designed for direct “I want a job, you can give it to me” interactions. It is designed to help students and organization representatives to interact and begin developing relationships. Some, not all, organizations are looking for interns and employees. Organization descriptions and those interested in getting interns are listed here.

No booths?! How will I know who is who?

Every attending representative will have nametags that state their name and which company or organization they’re from. They’ll also have colored flags on their tags which indicate which majors they’re most interested in speaking with. Students’ nametags will also have flags that indicate what their major(s) are. The code will be posted on table tents and fliers.

Code:

Purple - Advertising, marketing, graphic design

Blue - Broadcast

Yellow - News-editorial, English

Pink - Public Relations

Green - Sports Media

How will it be set-up?

Bistro tables will be scattered throughout the room and will feature peppermints, pens and table tents with OSU and communication facts. The tables will serve as networking stations for organization representatives and students to chat around.

Three long tables in the middle of the room will host representatives’ promotional materials.

You can store your backpacks, purses, jackets, etc. on either one of the two long tables in the corners of the room.

How should I dress?

Since some representatives are looking for interns and employees, you should still dress professionally. Profesionals like to see students take the initiative and look nice.

Example: Wear a matching two-piece suit with closed-toe dress shoes, simple shirt and minimal jewelry. Still not sure about proper attire? Click on Dressing for the Interview here.

Should I bring my resume?

Yes – bring multiple copies of your resume. You never know who might want to get some take-home information about you! You can visit HireOSUGrads (3rd floor of the Student Union) for a stack of resume paper and thank you notes. They’re free!

Do I have to stay the entire time?

Nope. It’s come and go from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Take advantage of the time and get to know these representatives who came to see you.

What am I supposed to do?

Introduce yourself: “Hi, I’m Jim Bob and I’m studying basket-weaving.  It’s nice to meet you.”

Thank them for coming to the expo. People always like to be appreciated.

Start chatting – talk about the current state of the economy, job prospects, OSU, etc. Ask them about their job – what do they do, why do they like it, any advice for recent graduates, etc.

Remember to relax. Our visiting representatives are human, too. (Just don’t spill the beans about how much you hate searching for a job, etc. Be wise.)

Which organizations are coming?

Organizations from several fields – newspapers, magazines, broadcast stations, advertising and public relations firms, non-profits, radio stations and more. The complete list is here.

Is it really worth my time?

If you’d like to meet people who can help you get an internship or a job, you should come to the Communications Networking Expo. The expo is designed for communication majors like you – why not invest some time in getting to know professionals who sacrificed their time to meet you? The expo will give you connections and networking experience  – take advantage of the opportunity.

If you need further information about the expo, visit www.cowboynetworking.org or shoot me an e-mail at cortney.k.hicks@okstate.edu.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The Internship Search

Lately my whirling thoughts won’t leave me alone, so the best option is to write them to the world or e-mail them to friends and family. My friends and family need a break from me.

Like most college juniors, I’m searching for a summer internship. I’d like to find one with plenty of opportunities to grow and learn more about public relations. My qualifications for an ideal internship?

• Well-organized and directed. I’d like to learn from the experts, partly because much of my experience has been self-taught. I also know that I have a lot to learn in the world of public relations.
• Makes a difference. Why work for a company or organization unless you believe in its mission? If you don’t, you’re wasting both your employer’s and your time.
• Experience. Yes, this is a resume-builder, but an internships are more than that. They train you for the field you’re going into. I want to be an asset to employers as a competent, passionate practitioner.
• Fun and passionate co-workers. The people you work with can alter your entire experience.
• Somewhat close to family. I rarely see my family during the school year and would like to enjoy more time with them, even if it is just during the summer. Selfish, but true.
• Paid. Another selfish point. Just enough to survive, even at the bare minimum, would be fantastic.

Finding such an internship is difficult, but possible. In the meantime, I’ll keep searching via Google, Monster, PRSSA, intern.org, Fastweb, OSU… a never-ending list.