Applying to internships, talking to recruiters, and even going into your first interview might initially seem very daunting.
At my first career fair at USC, I remember feeling overwhelmed by how crowded it was, and wondering how I could stand out among the sea of black blazers and business casual outfits. It was intimidating. Still, I pushed myself to approach recruiters and present my best self. But afterward, I wasn’t sure if I had made any lasting impressions and thinking about how I could be better in the future.
A few weeks later, I applied to attend the 2022 SHPE National Convention, which would last for about three days with a series of professional workshops, a two-day career fair, and interviews. Reflecting on my experience at the USC career fair, I realized that networking and making an impression were vital skills I needed to develop to achieve my career goals.
At the SHPE convention, there were even more people than at the USC career fair, but the atmosphere was welcoming. People from different schools were very friendly and the networking felt natural. Once I realized that it was about having conversations with recruiters, I started to relax and enjoy the experience.
Since then, I have grown significantly in my networking skills, and now I feel confident at events like these.
One thing that has helped me prepare for interviews and networking is reserving rooms in the USC Career Center for interviews and also attending workshops on elevator pitches and answering common interview questions.
The key takeaway? Be honest with yourself about the skills you will need to accomplish your goals and how much you need to grow in these areas. If you know you need to improve, join organizations and attend events that will push your growth. Be authentic, and attend networking events, and eventually, it will become second nature. Do not focus too much on comparing yourself to other applicants and think more about what makes you unique and what you are passionate about. If you show up as your genuine, confident self, you will already stand out.
Overall, give yourself the grace and space to grow. Celebrate both your small and large victories and remember that you are capable of reaching your goals!
