Spark Your Success: Preparing for Career Fairs

UIC Career Services is hosting its highly anticipated event, Spark Your Success, to give students the tools they need to do well professionally. Whether preparing for the upcoming UIC Internship Fair on January 29 or want to elevate career readiness, this event has students covered.

Jean Riordan, the Executive Director at Career Services, explained that Spark Your Success stands out as a one-stop shop for career preparation. “This event is a great way for students to accomplish multiple tasks all at once – you can get your headshot for your LinkedIn page, review your resume, and receive feedback on your elevator pitch as you prepare to attend the upcoming career fairs.” The convenience of having resources in one place makes it a valuable opportunity that students won't find elsewhere.

To fully benefit from this event, students should arrive early. “Headshots are very popular and fill up fast, so make sure to get a number for your place in line,” Jean advised. Career advisors, alumni, and recruiters will also be on hand throughout the event to provide feedback on resumes and assist with elevator pitch practice. Preparing a strong introduction prior to career fairs can reduce anxiety when meeting potential employers.

Preparation is key to making the most of Spark Your Success. Students should bring a hard copy of their resume and have clear ideas about their internship or professional goals. For those wanting to refine their elevator pitch, come ready to share a draft. Having materials and goals prepared allow students to maximize their time with career advisors and recruiters.

Nathan Thokkudubiyyapu, Director of Student Success for Undergraduate Student Government (USG) shared “This partnership reflects USG’s commitment to supporting student success and ensuring our peers are equipped with the tools to excel in their professional journeys.” Feedback from past events has shaped this semester’s offerings.  One significant change is the timing; Spark Your Success is happening earlier in the semester to better align with career fairs sponsored by Career Services and other UIC career centers. Additionally, the event now has co-sponsorship from the Business Career Center, Engineering Career Center, LAS Career Development and Internships, and USG, ensuring a broader reach and more substantial support network. Nathan elaborated “Last semester, the energy in the room was inspiring, and the feedback we received from students emphasized the event’s value in preparing for the career fair.”

Another change is the streamlined focus on headshots, resume reviews, and elevator pitch feedback. “The rotating Navigating a Career Fair sessions will be offered virtually on different dates,” Jean explained. This new approach allows the event to focus on the most popular and impactful services.

Past participants praised the event for its convenience and the quality of resources. The chance to get a professional headshot, receive personalized resume feedback, and prepare and practice an elevator pitch all in one place is a rare opportunity. As Jean put it, “Students continue to enjoy opportunities to obtain headshots, along with the convenience of receiving a resume review right in the center of the action in SCE!”

Jean and Nathan shared tips to ensure a successful experience at Spark Your Success:

• Arrive early to secure a spot for a headshot.
• Bring a hard copy of a resume for review.
• Prepare an elevator pitch and be ready to practice.
• Clearly define career goals to guide conversations with advisors and recruiters.
• Bring Questions to ask professionals/recruiters about their industries.
• Dress professionally. While not required, it sets the tone for headshots and shapes interactions throughout the day.

Use Spark Your Success as a stepping stone to achieving career aspirations. Nathan said it best “Whether it’s a first-year student exploring career paths or a senior fine-tuning their professional brand, this event has something for everyone.“ Students should register for the event, grab a resume, and take their professional journey to the next level. After the event, be sure to attend the Winter Internship and Career Fair.

Students that participate are encouraged to connect with @UIC_Career and @UIClife on Instagram and share their feedback.