It’s that time of year again! York College students of any major and class level are invited to the annual Career Expo, starting at 11 a.m. on March 19 in the M&T Bank Field House. Business representatives will be seeking candidates for internships, full-time, part-time, and seasonal work, making this the perfect time for you to hone your networking skills and maybe even land a job!
To help you prepare, we’ve reached out to YCP alumni for their advice. Here’s what they wished they knew when they were in your shoes:
1. Be Confident
Staying true to yourself is always a good policy. Two alums emphasized the importance of knowing your worth and not settling for an opportunity that might not be the best fit.
“Be confident! Understand all that you bring to the table and speak to your strengths.”
- Emily Connors, M.S., CTRS, CDP, ‘96
“I wish I had approached my initial interviews with the mindset of ‘will we be a good fit?’ instead of ‘I hope they like me.’ It's equally important that you like them.”
- Tracey Hughes, ‘05
2. Be Informed
You can find a full list of this year’s expo employers on the Handshake app—taking time to research companies in advance can help you prepare with specific details and thoughtful questions. This approach often leads to a more productive conversation for both sides.
“Understand the company’s business goals and mission enough to speak to it. Also, have something to share about yourself (that’s not on your résumé) that displays your strengths that will contribute to the company’s success.”
- Sheila Gregory, SHRM-SCP, ‘84
3. Be Personable
You’ll spend a lot of time with the people you work with. So, connecting on a personal level can make a huge difference in an employer’s decision to hire you.
“Bring enthusiasm to [the conversation]. Being communicative and a good fit socially is equally as important as the knowledge or experience you bring to a company.”
- Matthew Cohen, ‘14
For even more alumni advice, see what last year’s contributors had to say in the YCP news story. We also encourage you to participate in the Career Expo Prep Sessions hosted by the Career Development Center, specifically designed to help you develop the confidence and professionalism you’ll need to thrive as you connect with prospective employers.
