Prospective interns will have the opportunity to meet with a number of potential employers this week.

Career Services will host an internship fair at the Convocation Center tomorrow. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., students will have the chance to speak with 50 registered employers from a number of different fields.

“Make sure you bring a resume with plenty of copies,” said Wendy Murphy, assistant professor of management. “Effectively use your time.”

Mary Myers, assistant director of campus and employer relations, encourages interested students to come prepared. A detailed list of all 50 employers is available at the Career Services Web site, providing students with a rundown of the internships available from each company and descriptions of jobs they offer. Appropriate majors and eligibility requirements are also outlined.
“Articulate your career goals,” Murphy said. “Many students don’t have a sense of their career goals.”

Interested students should contact employers that interest them beforehand by sending a cover letter and resume to companies they plan to talk to. This shows potential employers that students are serious about getting an internship.

“Preview employers and identify ones that closely match your career intentions,” Myers said. “Employers hate when students come up to them and say ‘I don’t know anything about your company.’ What it says to them is, ‘I don’t really want to work for you.’”

The Career Services Web site also suggests prospective interns prepare a short verbal summary of their qualifications. Students should also be sure to present themselves in a professional dress and conduct themselves with a professional attitude (no cell phones, food or drink).
“[Your appearance] is the first thing an employer sees,” Myers said. “It’s their first impression and you can’t change it. It’s very important.”

Many students assume that companies are only interested in hiring business majors, Myers said. However, this isn’t necessarily the case.

“Many employers may very well be looking for a liberal arts major with a great personality,” Myers said. “Some things can be taught, but other things can’t.”

A shuttle bus will be available while the fair is in session from the Holmes Student Center for students who require transportation. NIU students will be admitted free of charge (although a resume is required), while non-NIU students will be required to pay an entry fee of $10.

“Students need to come,” Myers said. “It’s the last time an employer will come to you. Students need to support these events to keep employers coming back.”

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