CFAES Give Today
Ohio State ATI

CFAES Wooster

CFAES

A student’s network is one of their most important job search strategies

Submitted by Denise Rotavera-Krain, rotavera-krain.1@osu.edu

Now more than ever, a student’s network is one of their most important job search strategies. However, because many of our students are first-generation and some are from underrepresented populations, they may not have a context for what networking is and its purpose (In fact, some do not even know what a resume is). It is up to us, to assist them in understanding its importance of career preparation and helping them to build their network from the moment they step foot in the door of ATI (literally and virtually). 
   
What follows are suggestions on how you can engage students with career development and in particular, networking. Please let me know if you have any questions or need tools to help bring this into your classroom. I would love to partner with you. 
   
Actively Encourage Students to Attend Career Fairs

If there is a silver lining with regard to the pandemic, it is that career fairs will be virtual at least through the AU20 semester. This offers more flexibility and easier access to our students at ATI.


Please explain why it is important for them to attend

  • Build a network of contacts to reach out to for internships and jobs 
    • Learn about employers and various positions in your field 
    • Learn about jobs and internship availabilities
    •  Interview for internships and jobs
  •    Provide incentives for going (extra credit, assignment replacement, professionalism points, etc)
  •    Provide time after the event to have them share their experience and what they learned at the fair
  •    Allow flexibility if they would like to attend (ie due dates, exams)

   Dedicate Time in Your Class to Career Development

  •    Invite me to present a workshop in your class
    •    Resumes
    •    Cover letters
    •    Elevator Pitch
    •    Networking
    •    Interviewing Skills
    •    Professionalism
  •    Discuss various careers that might be interesting to students in your major, focusing on the ones that are not as obvious (job seekers will need to be adaptable and flexible)
  •    Host an employer in your class   

   Help Students Engage with Employers

  •   Invite employers to your class, supplemental activity, or student organization
    •   I can help you with this
  •  Invite employers to participate in the career fairs
    •   Send me name, company, and contact information and I will make sure they are invited
  •    Encourage employers to list their openings on HandShake (OSU platform for connecting students to employers)
    •  I can help facilitate this as well. 

   Actively Encourage Students to Attend Career Development Workshops

  •    Please explain why it is important for them to attend workshops
    •    All workshops are geared toward helping students prepare for entering the workforce
    •    They will gain valuable skills that will help them search, apply, interview, and ultimately win the job
  •   Provide incentives for going (extra credit, assignment replacement, professionalism points, etc)
  • Provide time after the event to have them share their experience and what they learned at the fair
  •  Allow flexibility if they would like to attend (ie due dates, exams)

   
   1 on 1 Appointments
   Of course, I am always available for 1 on 1 appointments with the students.
   Denise Rotavera-Krain, College Success Counselor and Career Advisor
   • OnCourse https://buckeyes.campus.eab.com/
   • Email Rotavera-krain.1@osu.edu
   • Phone 330-287-1281
   • Office Halterman 200E 
   
Please contact me to discuss how we can collaborate to bring important career preparation and training to our students. Thank you in advance for partnering with me to prepare our students for the workforce.