Stan State’s Fall Career & Internship Fair is right around the corner. From 1 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 2, students of all grade levels are encouraged to visit the University Event Center and connect with visiting employers.

Whether you’ve attended the Career Fair before, or this is your first time, being prepared for the event is just as important as attending. Preparation takes many forms, like picking out a professional outfit, practicing your elevator pitch, researching prospective employers and readying your resume and portfolio.
The Career and Professional Development Center, located in Suite 205 of the Student Center, provides many resources to students preparing for the Career Fair. Students can come in to work on or have their resumes reviewed and participate in various workshops.

Student Relations Specialist and Event Coordinator for the Career and Internship Fair, Rebecca Stephens, explains some of the opportunities students can take advantage of at the center.
“We also host a Job Fair Success Workshop, so we do suggest that students that are planning to attend the job fair also attend the workshop so they can learn how to do an elevator pitch, how to introduce themselves to employers. We also host a resume workshop before the event as well,” says Stephens.
In addition to visiting the Career and Professional Development Center or participating in workshops, attending a Career Fair is a great way to prepare for future Career Fairs.

Career Coach Alex Brown explains how the Career Fair can help students gain practical experience in the process of interviewing and introducing themselves to potential employers.
“A lot of the time our students need the practice of, if not working on their elevator pitches, working on talking to strangers about themselves, and really just showcasing their skills,” says Brown.

Normandy Lee (English, senior) recommends students use the Career Fair to practice their skills and make connections with employers.

“Definitely, I would. I would personally go to the career coaches. I would go to them just because that sounds like a lot of help. And then they do have a big variety of companies on there. So I think it would definitely be beneficial to go,” says Lee.
Students need to put their best foot forward at the Career Fair, which includes dressing their best. A professional outfit can make a positive first impression on employers.
Stephens encourages students to use the Warrior Wardrobe Career Closet in The Career and Professional Development Center.
“We highly suggest students visit our Warrior Wardrobe Career Closet, which is in our center where students can get professional clothing. It’s theirs to keep, and students can get up to three items a semester,” says Stephens.
The Career Closet provides new or gently used professional clothing to students, and helps students pair and match items. Outside of the Career Fair, students can borrow clothing for class presentations, job interviews and networking events.
Researching employers before attending the Career Fair can be extremely beneficial in interviews. By researching employers, students will have an understanding of how the company operates ahead of time, allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge to employers and ask informed questions.
Over 40 employers will be present at the 2024 Fall Career Fair, including: the City of Stockton, Turlock, Modesto, the Hilmar Cheese Company, PepsiCo and more!

This year, Target is hosting an event for Stan State students before the Career Fair. On Oct. 1 from noon to 1 p.m., Target representatives will be hosting an info session for tips on creating effective resumes and developing interviewing skills. From 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., students can have their resumes reviewed by Target representatives and recruiters.
Attending this event is a great way to be extra prepared for the Career Fair.