Connection Co-op & Internship Job Fair

Great question. See: What's a co-op and what's an internship?

Employer registration occurs November through early-February prior to the fair. "Employers attending" is on the student welcome menu. On that list you'll see whether each employer is seeking interns, co-ops, or both, and majors being sought.

Research the employers BEFORE the fair to determine if any match your career interests and so that you can prepare to present yourself effectively.

Not all career interests, fields and types of employers are represented at every job fair.

Use other job search methods. There are many ways to find co-ops and internships. There are other job fairs you can research.

If you are uncertain of the best way to look for an internship or co-op, seek advising.

No. Just be there. Be clear on whether you are looking for a one-term or summer experience (internship) or a multi-work-term experience (co-op), because each employer at the fair specifies whether the organization is hiring interns, co-ops or both.

Of course. See how to prepare and what to do at a job fair.

Resumes. Take enough copies for the employers attending whom you'd like to speak with (plus a few extras).To prepare your resume (or make sure the one you think is good really is), see resume guidelines. Or read the Career Services Career Planning Guide (free when you visit our office).

Carry a padfolio to hold your resumes so you look organized. Employers would rather hire organized people than unorganized people, so look like you're the right type.

Be aware that a some employers may not accept paper resumes; instead they may require you to follow an on-line application process on their organization web site (may be necessary to handle the volume of resumes / applications they receive). Even employers who accept resumes may also require you to follow an on-line process. Don't be discouraged; this is just the reality of the recruiting process for many organizations.

Not necessary unless you will be carrying large quantities of necessary material. A padfolio is sufficient and works great.

Sure, if you absolutely can't get a resume together before going. Just be prepared to tell employers about yourself and why you are interested in them (i.e. research them in advance). Get contact information from the employers who interest you so you can send or submit a resume after the fair; do as the employer instructs you on this. Get your resume done done quickly, and send or submit it as soon as possible — preferably within a week (or otherwise if the employer instructs you otherwise).

It is not necessary, but you can if you'd like. Some employers may ask to see your transcript, or want you to send it / provide it later.An official transcript is not necessary at this point, but if you want one, you must request this from the University Registrar. See the Registrar's instructions to do so (and be aware that there is a fee). Get one, and make your own photocopies for the fair. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable to most employers at this stage in the recruiting process. To get yours, use Hokie SPA. We don't have access to your transcripts at Career Services.

Fair day:  Business casual

Interview day:  Interview attire

Yes, for a while. After the event is over, we leave the list of registered employers online for reference — but unfortunately, we've found that people look at the OLD list and assume it's the UPCOMING list, even if we put a large notice explaining otherwise, and they misunderstand the information and complain. Alas, it seems that many people just don't read. (You, having read this far, being the bright exception.)

Yes, IF they gave us a business card (we ask all to, but it's their choice) and IF you are a currently enrolled student (you must log in to view).
After the event is over, we leave this information online for reference for students who would like to find contacts for the purpose of writing THANK-YOU LETTERS and doing OTHER APPROPRIATE FOLLOW UP.
Current-student login to view employer contact info.

Yes, if you have a good reason. Do you know something about the organization that gives you a reason to think they might hire someone with your skills? Did you research their web site or talk with someone in their organization already? Is your major similar to the ones they are looking for? Some employers are very flexible about whom they with speak with. Some aren't. Just be ready and look like you did your homework, and are not just randomly asking for no reason.

See how to prepare and what to do at a job fair.

See how to get interviews at CONNECTION (including why your voice mail message should be appropriate).

The employer has posted her/his job for Virginia Tech students online through Hokies4Hire with Career Services. More about Hokies4Hire.

Your registration with Career Services will occur after you accept a co-op job and follow certain requirements for the CEIP.

Attend the CEIP Orientation as soon as you can. This is required before you can enroll in co-op.

More about the Cooperative Education / Internship Program.

Congratulations! Before you accept:

If an employer makes you an offer, you may wish to finish any remaining interviews you have scheduled before accepting. You are not obligated to accept an offer immediately.

If you do accept an offer, you are bound to your word. You can't change your mind. Backing out after saying yes is called "reneging" and it's extremely uncool and unethical. (And just because someone else does it, doesn't make it right. You've heard that before, I bet.) So don't accept until you are sure.

When you do accept an offer, cancel any upcoming interviews. Courteously explain that you've accepted another offer and thank the employer genuinely for his/her interest and time spent with you.

If you accept an offer for a full-time, paid co-op or internship position, and you wish to be enrolled in the Career Services Co-op / Internship Program, see information for students enrolling / enrolled in the program.

If you accept an offer for a part-time and/or unpaid internship position:

• Follow the instructions of the employer and the procedures of your academic department. Some (not all) academic departments allow academic credit for approved internships.
• For part-time and/or unpaid internships, you do not register with the Career Services Co-op / Internship Program.