Careers fairs help bridge the gap between school and the professional world, offering students an excellent opportunity to get a taste of the next steps after school. So, how can you ensure you get the most out of a careers fair?
This blog post aims to help you prepare for a careers fair by providing expert guidance and insights to maximise your experience. Gain valuable tips today and step into your next careers fair with confidence!
What is a Careers Fair?
Before we start, let’s explain the purpose of a careers fair and why they are important for students.
A careers fair is your chance to meet employers, company representatives and recruiters across a wide range of industries, all in one place. They are often combined with higher education fairs to provide a picture of life after school.
Careers fairs offer an opportunity to learn about different industries, network with professionals and explore your options. You can ask questions, share information and even discover career paths you may not have considered in a friendly and inspiring environment.
Top 5 Tips to Maximise Your Careers Fair Experience
We asked Willow Herold, Director of Global School Partnerships at InvestIN, to share her top five tips for students attending a careers fair:
- Be Open-Minded: Careers fairs are usually held across a few hours, giving you lots of time to explore your next steps. Maximise your time and visit every stand, even if it’s an industry or career you are unfamiliar with.
- Be Proactive: Don’t be shy! Speak to as many professionals as you can and approach the careers fair with a positive attitude.
- Be Prepared: Careers fairs can be overwhelming. It is helpful to research the companies attending in advance to help you prepare thoughtful questions and receive tailored career advice.
- Be Confident: Don’t be afraid to break away from your friend group and visit a stand on your own. It’s essential to prioritise your ambitions and explore your interests.
- Be Memorable: First impressions count. Treat careers fairs as an opportunity to impress employers with your knowledge, skills and passion for industries you are interested in.
What Questions Should You Ask at a Careers Fair?
We know that speaking with professionals can sometimes feel daunting, however, a careers fair is the perfect opportunity to ask anything you want to know about the professional world.
From entry-level salaries to degree apprenticeships, careers fairs offer a melting pot of knowledge and advice.
So, what are some of the best questions to ask?
- What’s your favourite part of your role? Try to ask questions that you can’t find the answer to online. This question offers an authentic and personal response, which will help you understand the benefits of a career/role.
- What advice would you give a student interested in this career/industry? Careers fairs are a chance to gain career tips and guidance, so take it! This is a great starting question, which opens a wide range of follow-up questions surrounding the next steps after school.
- What skills and experience do I need to work in this industry? This is a key question exploring the skills and industry experience you need to pursue your dream career. Professionals will provide insight into various career paths to help you reach your professional goals.
Visit InvestIN at Your Next Careers Fair!
Now that you’re a careers fair expert, it’s time to start thinking about life after school. Whether you’re thinking about applying to university, pursuing an apprenticeship or are unsure about the next steps, completing an InvestIN programme can help!
Our immersive career programmes offer practical work experience, industry expertise and the opportunity to gain valuable UCAS points to boost your CV and applications.
Come and see us at your next careers fair and discover our immersive work experience programmes for students aged 15-18. Discover your dream career here.
FAQs
Why are careers fairs important?
Careers fairs are essential for students interested in learning about the next steps after school. Often combined with higher education fairs, they provide students with a picture of life after school and insight into how to pursue diverse career paths.
Who should I speak to at a careers fair?
Every student will approach a careers fair differently due to their interests and ambitions. However, we encourage students to speak to as many professionals as possible to learn about their options after school, from university to apprenticeships. Attending a careers fair with an open mind allows students to discover career paths they may not have even considered.
How do I prepare for a careers fair?
Careers fairs can be excellent networking events, so it’s important to be prepared. Students should research the organisations attending and prepare thoughtful questions to maximise their experience and help them spend their time effectively. A quick online search is all it takes to help you target stands and professionals you are interested in.
