Students said they are much more prepared for life after college following the Ball State University Career Center's third "Focus on Your Future" presentation.
The series is aimed at helping students overcome job market hurdles, and the theme of Wednesday's seminar was how to approach a job fair, especially the Fall Career Fair next week. The lecture was taught by Mark Hannon, Career Center associate director, whose main goal was to raise career-building awareness while improving professional skills needed in the workplace.
Twenty-one students sat in a classroom in Bracken Library to gain practice and information for the Fall Career Fair on Sept. 23 at Worthen Arena.
During his presentation, Hannon taught students the proper way to introduce themselves - in about 20 seconds - at job fairs and told them about the many aspects of a job interview. The presentation focused on having a plan and being prepared. It covered things such as what interview questions to expect, as well as proper attire and giving the best first impression possible.
Junior marketing major Allison Mast sat anxiously during the presentation and even admitted to sweaty palms during the introductions activity, in which students practiced approaching employers at a job fair.
"My anxiety went up and down throughout the whole thing," Mast said. "At the Career Fair next week, it's important to be professional with the employers. I'm hoping tonight will make me more comfortable."
Mast said she didn't have any expectations going into the lecture and thought it was informative.
Overall, students said they were pleased with the presentation and the way Hannon taught it.
Hannon said he expected more than 100 employers at next week's fair and estimated between 500 and 700 students will attend the four-hour event.
He said he hoped students would arrive early for the job fair with broader mindsets about the selection of jobs.
Junior accounting major Jacob Tolley, however, said he was keeping an optimistic view of his job prospects, despite the economy.
"This recession won't be as bad when I get out [of college]," Tolley said.
Hannon said he was a bit more worried.
"Employers will definitely be hiring in smaller numbers," Hannon said. "They will be more selective in who they interview."
Hannon's lecture also stressed the importance of seniors getting interview practice before they start their job searches and for all students to begin getting resumes out to employers early.
Cynthia Hansel, a junior business administrator major, said her ultimate goal was to get an internship next summer.
"I'm hoping this will help me present myself in a way that will get me there," she said.
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