Frequently Asked Questions About Career Information Day

What is Career Information Day?
Career Information Day is an annual event sponsored by the Career Center. It provides a convenient way for PSU students and alumni to learn about potential employers and careers by talking with representatives from many organizations.

What kinds of organizations attend Career Information Day?
Each year, employers attend Career Information Day to share information about careers within their organizations. Representatives from many different kinds of employers typically attend — businesses (including high tech, retail, banking, financial services, and insurance), social services and nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies (city, state, federal).

How can I best prepare for Career Information Day?
Develop a brief statement of who you are and your career and employment interests. Review the list of Career Information Day attendees and select the ones you are most interested in. Research selected employers by reviewing information provided on their home pages. Also check for employer literature in the Career Center Library.

If you are currently seeking a career position or internship, be sure to bring your resume. For assistance in developing your resume, attend a resume writing workshop and schedule an appointment to have your resume critiqued by a Career Center staff member.

Generate a list of questions based on your information needs. If you are seeking a job, you might ask questions like: "I will be graduating in June, what kinds of entry-level positions are available for new graduates?" "What do I need to know about the application process?" "Are internships available?"

If you are seeking information in order to make a career decision, you might ask: "I'm thinking of majoring in anthropology, does your organization consider liberal arts and sciences majors?" "Within your organization, what is a typical career title for a liberal arts and sciences major?"

You may also attend the workshop, Making the Most of Career Information Day, to get suggestions on how to prepare for and network effectively at Career Information Day.

How can I make the most of my time at Career Information Day?
When you arrive at Career Information Day, you will be given a map showing the location of participating employers. Employers have been assigned tables and will have print, video, or electronic information to share with you. At any given time, there may be several hundred students attending Career Information Day. If there are several students waiting to speak to an organization representative, you may want to go talk to another employer and come back later. We recommend that you try to speak with employers rather than just picking up literature and walking away.

What should I wear?
Many students will be dressed casually. Since this is not a job fair and you will not be interviewing for jobs, you do not need to wear a business suit but you should dress in a way that creates a positive first impression.

Should I bring a resume?
Some employers may be collecting resumes at Career Information Day and you should bring a resume if you are seeking an internship or full-time employment. Some employers may direct you to submit your resume after Career Information Day via fax, e-mail, or postal service. If this is the case, be sure to get appropriate contact information — name and title of contact, and e-mail, postal address or phone number as appropriate. It's a good idea to get a business card.

How does Career Information Day differ from a job fair?
Career Information Day is intended to provide an opportunity for PSU students and alumni to talk to many employers about potential careers within their organizations rather than providing an opportunity to interview for specific openings or fill out applications. Some employers will be in an active recruiting mode and may ask you to contact them at their office or leave a resume. Other employers may be providing information on opportunities coming up at a later date. If an employer is actively recruiting for immediate openings, the employer may direct you to sign up for an on-campus interview, to schedule an on-site interview, or to submit your resume to the employer after Career Information Day.

Who's eligible to attend Career Information Day?
All PSU students and alumni are invited to Career Information Day.

Do I need to register in advance to attend? Is there a fee to students and alumni?
PSU Students and alumni do not need to register to attend the event. There is no fee for PSU students and alumni.