Peer Career Consultant Blogs

Attending SCU career/workshop events offer invaluable opportunities to explore potential career paths, build professional networks, and develop essential intern/job skills. Whether you’re attending a guest speaker session, career fair, resume workshop, or networking event, these events can significantly impact your career journey. However, simply showing up isn’t enough. To truly benefit from these experiences, you need to approach them with a positive attitude and with clear goals in mind. By preparing thoughtfully and engaging actively, you can transform these events from routine activities into powerful stepping stones toward your professional goals.

Preparation is the cornerstone of getting the most out of any career event. Before attending a guest speaker or career fair, research the companies, organizations, or speakers who will be present. Look up their backgrounds on LinkedIn, review their company websites, and familiarize yourself with recent news or projects they have been involved with. This background allows you to ask informed questions that show genuine interest and helps you stand out from other attendees. For resume workshops, bring multiple copies of your current resume or relevant materials, and come prepared with specific questions about areas where you need guidance. Having a clear objective for each event: whether it’s learning about a specific industry, making three new connections, or getting feedback on your elevator pitch. Ensures that you leave with meaningful results.

Active engagement during the events will separate you from those who simply attend. At career fairs, don’t just collect brochures and business cards; have meaningful conversations with recruiters about their company culture, available positions, and what they look for in candidates. When listening to guest speakers, take notes on key insights and prepare at least one thoughtful question that shows you’ve been paying attention. During resume workshops, don’t be afraid to share your materials for critique and ask specific questions about formatting, wording, or how to highlight your unique experiences. Remember that these professionals have taken time out of their schedules to help us, so show respect by being present and actively participating in discussions or activities.

Following up after an event is crucial and many students miss critical opportunities to solidify connections and demonstrate professionalism if they don’t. Within a day or two of meeting someone at a career fair or networking event send a personalized email or LinkedIn message. Send a short blip referencing your conversation and include your interest in continuing the relationship. If you attended a resume workshop, implement the feedback you received and consider scheduling a follow up appointment with a career consultant to review your resume. For guest speaker events, reach out to thank the speaker for their insights and mention something specific they said that resonated with you. This will help build habits and demonstrate initiative and professionalism. Additionally, update your resume or LinkedIn profile with any new skills or connections you’ve gained, and reflect on what you learned to inform your future career planning.

By approaching these events with intention, preparation, and follow through you can transform them from passive experiences into active investments in your future. Each guest speaker session offers insights from real world experience, every career fair is a chance to discover opportunities you didn’t know existed, and each workshop provides practical skills that will serve you throughout your professional life. By treating these events as serious opportunities rather than miscellaneous tasks, you build not only your resume and network but also your confidence and professional identity. The connections you make and lessons you learn today can open doors years down the road. Start by making any of these commitments, showing up prepared, engaging authentically, and following through. Your future self will thank you for the effort you invest now.

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