Ace the UCLA STEM Career Fair: Your Guide to Success

Career fairs are invaluable resources for students seeking to launch or advance their careers. They serve as a dynamic platform to hone networking skills, engage in professional conversations, and discover potential career paths. The UCLA Career Center, along with student organizations like ACM and UPE, recognizes the importance of these events and actively hosts STEM-focused career fairs to connect students with employers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the UCLA STEM Career Fair and maximize your chances of success.

Preparing for the Career Fair

Researching Participating Employers

Before stepping foot in Pauley Pavilion (or logging in virtually), thorough preparation is key. Start by identifying which employers will be present. The UCLA Career Center typically provides a list of attending organizations on Handshake, its career services platform.

Once you have the list, delve into each company's profile on Handshake. Pay attention to:

Overview of the organization: Understand their mission, values, and the industries they operate in.
Student reviews: Gain insights from other students' experiences with the company, including their work culture and internship programs.
Open roles: Identify jobs and internships that align with your career interests and skill set.

Crafting Thoughtful Questions

Asking insightful questions demonstrates your preparation, motivation, and genuine interest in the company. Prepare a list of questions tailored to each employer, focusing on aspects not readily available online. Examples include:

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the company in the next year?
Can you describe the company's culture and values?
What are the career paths for entry-level employees?
What technologies or skills are most valued in your employees?

Preparing Your Elevator Pitch

Be ready to introduce yourself concisely and compellingly. Your elevator pitch should highlight your skills, experience, and career aspirations, and explain why you are interested in the company. Practice your pitch beforehand to ensure it is clear, confident, and engaging.

Polishing Your Resume

Your resume is your first impression, so make sure it is polished and error-free. Tailor your resume to each employer, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to their open positions. Consider having your resume reviewed by the UCLA Career Center or a trusted mentor.

What to Wear

Strive for a professional yet approachable look. Business casual attire is generally recommended. While a full suit is not necessary, avoid casual wear like sweats or athleisure. Opt for well-fitting slacks or a skirt, a button-down shirt or blouse, and a blazer or sweater if desired. Pay attention to grooming and ensure your shoes are clean and presentable.

What to Bring

Copies of your resume: Bring multiple copies of your resume to distribute to employers.
Notebook and pen: Take notes on your conversations with recruiters, including their names and contact information.
Information printouts: Consider printing out information about the employers you are targeting for quick reference.
Portfolio (optional): If you have a portfolio of your work, bring it along to showcase your skills.

Navigating the Career Fair

Approaching Employers

As you approach employers, be confident and make eye contact. Introduce yourself clearly and state your name, major, and year. Briefly explain your interest in the company and ask your prepared questions.

Engaging in Conversation

Listen attentively to the recruiter's responses and engage in a meaningful conversation. Ask follow-up questions to demonstrate your interest and deepen your understanding of the company. Share your relevant skills and experience, and explain how you can contribute to their team.

Observing and Learning

If you are early in your career or feel intimidated by the career fair format, take the opportunity to observe and learn. Listen to other students' conversations with recruiters, paying attention to their introductions, body language, and the questions they ask. Identify the students who seem to be having the most success and emulate their approach.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

Collecting Contact Information

Before leaving an employer's booth, be sure to collect the recruiter's contact information. This will allow you to follow up after the career fair and express your continued interest in the company.

Following Up After the Career Fair

Sending Thank-You Notes

Within 24-48 hours of the career fair, send thank-you notes to the recruiters you spoke with. Personalize each note by referencing specific topics you discussed and reiterating your interest in the company.

Applying for Open Positions

If you discussed a specific job or internship with a recruiter, be sure to apply online through the company's website or Handshake. Even if you did not discuss a specific position, browse the company's open roles and apply to any that align with your skills and interests.

Connecting on Handshake

If you clicked with an employer, follow their Handshake page to receive notifications about new jobs, events, and company updates.

Tips for Computer Science Students

For computer science students, ACM's article provides a CS-centric guide on preparing for career fairs. It provides further details on specific steps to research companies and how you can use this to craft your pitch.

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

Student Perspectives

Students who attended the UCLA STEM Career Fair shared their experiences and insights:

Connie Gao (First-Year Chemistry Student): Attended to learn about the job landscape and explore internship opportunities, even though not immediately seeking employment. Highlighted the value of interacting with professionals in the field.
Isabelle Fischer (Chemical Engineering Master’s Student): Appreciated the STEM-specific focus of the fair, which provided more relevant opportunities than general career fairs. Was particularly interested in the LA Department of Water and Power due to their job openings and benefits.
Elias Berner (Fourth-Year Computer Science Student): Attended to connect with potential full-time employers before graduation. Found the employers approachable and enjoyed speaking with IXL's backend engineer. Noted the importance of putting yourself out there and making an effort with employers.

Employer Perspectives

Employers who participated in the UCLA STEM Career Fair shared their perspectives on the event:

Victor Ruiz (Silvus Technologies Recruiting Coordinator): Emphasized the company's interest in hiring college students for their fresh perspectives and up-to-date knowledge.
Miguel Cabrales (Teach for America External Recruitment Manager): Highlighted the organization's focus on finding leaders to address educational inequity and their desire to recruit bright, optimistic, and well-rounded UCLA students as science teachers.

Benefits of Attending Career Fairs

Networking opportunities: Connect with recruiters and industry professionals.
Career exploration: Learn about different companies and career paths.
Resume feedback: Receive feedback on your resume from recruiters.
Interview practice: Practice your interviewing skills in a low-pressure environment.
Job and internship opportunities: Discover and apply for open positions.

Addressing Concerns

Lack of Opportunities for International Students: Some international students have expressed concerns about the lack of employers willing to sponsor visas. It is important to research companies beforehand to identify those that offer visa sponsorship.
Feeling Intimidated: Career fairs can be overwhelming, especially for first-time attendees. Remember to prepare beforehand, practice your elevator pitch, and focus on making genuine connections with recruiters.

tags: #UCLA #STEM #Career #Fair #tips