鶹ӳý Career Services Archives | 鶹ӳý News Central Florida Research, Arts, Technology, Student Life and College News, Stories and More Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:56:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 /wp-content/blogs.dir/20/files/2019/05/cropped-logo-150x150.png 鶹ӳý Career Services Archives | 鶹ӳý News 32 32 How to Impress on Your Job Interview /news/how-to-impress-on-your-job-interview/ Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:24:14 +0000 /news/?p=151094 Experts from ’s Kenneth G. Dixon Career Development Center share pro tips on giving yourself the best chance at landing a job offer.

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Whether you’re attending a job fair or trying to advance to the interview stage for a position you’re applying for, you can increase your chances of success by following some tried-and-true tips from ’s .

Brian Creel, associate director for career planning at 鶹ӳý Career Services, leads the career planning team in providing career counseling and assessment, career education and employment readiness skills.

“Be ready to talk about your professional self through storytelling, and overprepare through deep research on the employer.” — Brian Creel, Associate Director at 鶹ӳý Career Services

“Don’t forget that employers want to get to know the real you. Be authentic,” Creel says. “Be ready to talk about your professional self through storytelling, and overprepare through deep research on the employer. Find your spots to showcase your knowledge.”

Creel shares his advice on every stage of the job interview process as the 鶹ӳý community prepares for its spring semester Internship and Career Expo. The event, which will be held on March 10 at Addition Financial Arena, features more than 250 companies across a variety of industries from diverse fields including technology, finance, healthcare, engineering and more.

How can you make a strong impression on your job interview?

  • Know your professional story/prepare your elevator pitch
  • Offer a confident greeting, handshake and smile
  • Think about two to three key selling points about your professional self. For 鶹ӳý students, start with your major/expected graduation and talk about related skills/experience including student clubs and class projects
  • Research employers and showcase your knowledge in conversation
  • Give examples to back up your answers. Storytelling is a big part of the interview experience.

You mentioned an elevator pitch. What is your method for crafting one?

Your elevator pitch introduces you to recruiters in 30-60 seconds. Follow the present-past-future format:

  • Present: What are you currently studying? What’s your major or program?
  • Past: Highlight a recent relevant experience (e.g., internship, research project, volunteer work).
  • Future: State your career goals and explain why you’re excited to connect with this employer.

What are some ways you can make your resume stand out in a pile?

  • A resume should be concise, organized marketing document highlighting your education, experiences and achievements; its purpose is to secure an interview and evolve with your professional growth.
  • Keep formatting clean and consistent: 1-inch margins, 1 page (up to 2 max), standard 10- to 12-point fonts, professional appearance and easy-to-scan layout.
  • Focus content on relevance: tailor to the position, connect transferable skills, emphasize contributions and quantify results whenever possible.
  • Use strong writing mechanics: start bullets with action verbs, maintain consistent verb tense (present for current roles, past for previous) and keep statements concise.
  • Include core sections as appropriate: Heading, objective (optional but tailored), education (reverse chronological order), summary of qualifications (skills-focused) and experience (employment, internships, research, projects).
  • Add optional sections when relevant: Activities, leadership, honors/awards, publications or research.

What software or AI tools do you recommend in helping build your resume?

  • is a fantastic tool available to all students by logging in with their NID credentials
  • VMock is a 24/7 virtual career assistant that utilizes technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and sophisticated analytics engine to deliver instant, personalized, and smart career guidance to students and professionals.
  • Do not rely only on AI to write content for your resume. Double check wonky spelling/grammar and word choices to make sure it is your voice.
  • Be aware that employers are now reviewing resumes and running them through plagiarism detection software to check for AI.
  • Utilize AI (VMock can do this) to make sure your resume matches the language in the job description closely enough so that it will pass through applicant tracking systems successfully.

What are questions you recommend job candidates ask the interviewer?

Typically, it’s best to focus on two to three questions to have prepared to ask at the end of the interview.

  • Ask about the company culture. What is it like to work there?
  • Ask about the position or opportunity in a way that helps you learn more than what you have already learned on your own research. In your opinion, what qualities/traits do you look for in an ideal candidate to be successful in the role?
  • Ask about what to expect in the interview process. What are next steps?

Are there any best practices you recommend for following up after an interview?

Within 24 hours, send personalized thank-you emails to the recruiters you spoke with that include:

  • A brief recap of your conversation
  • An expression of gratitude
  • A question or statement to keep the dialogue going
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鶹ӳý Career Services Turn 鶹ӳý Students into Ideal Job Candidates /news/ucf-career-services-turn-ucf-students-into-ideal-job-candidates/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:04:33 +0000 /news/?p=150994 ’s career readiness program and annual career expo empower students to land their first jobs at companies including Google, Meta, Lockheed Martin and other big-name employers.

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As an ambitious computer science major at 鶹ӳý, Kenny Nguyen ’25 was already thinking ahead before graduating  — about internships, industry connections and the kind of real-world experience that would launch his career as a cyber analyst for Deloitte & Touche.

Thanks to ’s dedicated support for STEM students, he had access to resources so he would not have to navigate that journey alone.

“Engineering is hands-down our most active liaison area,” says Taylor Sandifer ’23MA, assistant director of employer relations in Career Services who supports all STEM majors, including the College of Engineering and Computer Science. “CECS students show up to everything. They’re really engaged, and they take advantage of every opportunity.”

For Knights like Nguyen, that means access to employers through engineering-focused employer-led workshops, resume reviews, mock interviews, and the highly attended , which occurs annually in the fall at the Addition Financial Arena, where as many as 300 employers fill the venue.

Big Companies Recruit Knights

Before Expo, students can participate in the Career Readiness Program, a two-week series including industry-specific, employer-led sessions where recruiters host one-on-one resume reviews and mock interviews to help students prepare.

’s employer-relations model attracts major companies such as Google, Meta, Amazon, Siemens Energy, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris and Walmart directly to campus for tabling, information sessions, and networking events.

“Employers coming in to recruit STEM talent will work with us to get connected,” Sandifer says. “We help them get into the engineering atrium, set up information sessions, reach students through Handshake, and collaborate with CECS to spread the word.

“We want students to see a clear path from 鶹ӳý to a career.”— Taylor Sandifer ’23MA, assistant director of employer relations in Career Services

“We want students to see a clear path from 鶹ӳý to a career. When they put in the effort, and we can help make those connections, it all comes together.”

Sandifer has seen firsthand how transformative this can be.

“One computer science student (Nguyen) showed up on the wrong day — in a suit — but stayed anyway,” she recalls. “He came back the next day, met with recruiters, and we connected him with Deloitte & Touche. He ended up getting the job. His hard work and willingness to show up made the difference.”

Real World Ready

Nguyen credits the Dixon Career Development Center in helping him shape his career path.

“I wasn’t very prepared initially and had no idea where to even start. It was overwhelming just thinking about it,” he says. “I attended an event I found off Handshake and it turned into me getting resume reviews, mock interviews, and attending events that got me to meet employers I was passionate about joining.”

He took advantage of summer appointments, interview strategies, and also printed business cards to hand out to the company representatives at the Internship and Career Expo. Those efforts paid off with an opportunity at Deloitte — a place he was drawn to for its culture and its constant flow of new challenges.

His biggest takeaway from his experience with the Career Center is to be persistent and open to every opportunity.

“You never know what conversation you have with someone that could turn into a huge career opportunity,” he says.

ճ will take place on Tuesday, March 10.

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What to Know Before ’s Internship and Career Expo /news/what-to-know-before-ucfs-internship-and-career-expo/ Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:30:26 +0000 /news/?p=150935 A guide on resources available for your resume, acing your interview and more to prep for the March 10 event at Addition Financial Arena.

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On the job hunt? Looking for hands-on internship experience? Then you’ll want to make sure you’re at ’s Internship and Career Expo on March 10 at Addition Financial Arena.

Hosted by the twice a year in the fall and spring semesters, the largest job fair on campus features 250+ companies across a variety of industries from diverse fields including technology, finance, healthcare, engineering and more.

This career fair is open to all 鶹ӳý students and alumni. It is your gateway to explore a wide range of career options, gain insider advice from industry experts, and stay ahead of the curve in today’s evolving job market.

It’s also a great opportunity to practice your networking skills and leave a lasting impression on potential employers.

This guide shares logistical information about the Internship and Career Expo itself, as well as tips and resources ahead of the event so you can make your best impression.

Overhead view of floor of Addition Financial Arena crowded with people at tabling fair

Internship and Career Expo

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

  • Fast Pass Entry at 12:30 p.m. (more below on ways to score a fast pass)
  • General Entrance begins at 1 p.m.
  • Doors close at 4 p.m.

Location: Addition Financial Arena (12777 Gemini Blvd N, Orlando, FL 32816)

Attire: Business casual attire encouraged; Pants or skirts paired with a dress shirt or blouse and dress shoes with socks or appropriate hosiery. Please avoid bringing large bags.

Security Check: The Addition Financial Arena is implementing enhanced security measures. Security procedures include, but are not limited to, performing body wand and bag checks at all arena entrances. before arriving. Guest should allow additional time to enter the gate, as these measures may delay entrance into the event.

Register: This career fair is open to all 鶹ӳý students and alumni. Reserve your spot on .

Two women sit at a table across from each other, each holding a pen on a notebook, in front of a 鶹ӳý-branded wall

Ways and Resources to Prepare

  • Virtual Career Guidance

鶹ӳý partners with , a 24/7 virtual career assistant, to help students create a powerful resume and practice their interview skills. VMock leverages technologies like data science, machine learning and natural language processing to provide instant personalized feedback on resumes, cover letters, elevator pitches and interview responses based on criteria gathered from employers and global best practices. Visit .

  • Where to Print Your Resume

Students seeking to print copies of their resume or cover letter can do so for a small charge on main campus at the or in the John T. Washington Center (adjacent to the library).

If you are printing your resume or cover letter for a job or career fair, we recommend having at least one copy for each job/employer you are interested in, plus additional copies for unexpected opportunities or to replace damaged or lost copies.

  • Professional Clothing Glow Up

– In Person at the Florida Mall
Feb. 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

An exclusive in store shopping event for career apparel with exclusive discounts not available to the public. Students and alumni will be required to swipe their ID cards or provide their PID and check in via Handshake at the JCPenney Florida Mall location in order to receive their coupon.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship & Career EXPO. Pick up your Fast Pass Voucher at the check-in table.

– In Person at Waterford Lakes
Feb. 28, noon – 2 p.m.

Students and alumni can enjoy a 30% discount on business and business casual attire during the shopping event. Students will be required to swipe their ID cards or provide their 鶹ӳý ID and check in via Handshake at Style Encore Waterford Lakes location the day of the event.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship & Career EXPO. Pick up your Fast Pass Voucher at the check-in table.

Knights Helping Knights Pantry – Main Campus
Drop in, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

A limited professional clothing section is available to all 鶹ӳý students, with valid 鶹ӳý ID, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

  • Career Prep Events (Virtual and In-Person)

— In Person at the Kenneth G. Dixon Career Development Center
Tuesdays, 2 – 4 p.m. and Wednesdays, noon – 2 p.m.

Need fast feedback on your resume, cover letter or LinkedIn profile? Just drop-in to Career Services — no appointment required. If you’re unable to meet at these times, you can schedule an appointment on Handshake.

– Virtual
Fridays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join Career Services virtually without appointment for career questions and support. Simply go to go.ucf.edu/CSpopin for the zoom registration. We will accept you into the Zoom once we have an available Career Counselor to assist you with your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, or quick career questions.

– In Person at KSC Visitor Complex
Feb. 21, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Registration closes Feb. 20. Attendees will have opportunities to network one-on-one with employees of major aerospace and tech companies. They will be able to discover internships, apprenticeships, and professional roles, and gain insights from professionals working at the forefront of science, manufacturing, and innovation. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend professional development workshops on networking mastery and becoming the ideal job candidate.

– In Person
Feb. 24, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Take this time to learn about what to expect and ease your nerves by preparing your Elevator Pitch, Get ready to talk with Employers, and learn some tips to make your time at the event a success. Preference to attendees that register in advance as the room can only fit up to 60 people.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Limited quantities available. You must check in on time and attend the entire presentation.

– In Person
Feb. 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be on site to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The session will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Pick up your voucher on the way out of the session. Limited quantities available.

– In Person & Virtual
Feb. 25, 2–3 p.m.

Explore strategies for communicating your goals, setting boundaries and handling pressure or disagreements in healthy ways. Learn more at bit.ly/鶹ӳýhandshake.

– In Person
Feb. 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be on site to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The session will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Pick up your voucher on the way out of the session. Limited quantities available.

– In Person
March 3, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be on site to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The session will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Pick up your voucher on the way out of the session. Limited quantities available.

– In Person
March 4, 9 a.m. – noon and 1 – 4 p.m.

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be on site to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The session will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Pick up your voucher on the way out of the session. Limited quantities available.

– In Person
March 4, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

This event is for Rosen College of Hospitality Management students only. A leadership workshop will be held from 10:30-11:45 a.m. in the Darden Auditorium, followed by opportunities to meet with recruiters from noon – 1:30 p.m. in the Rosen Courtyard. Registration for the leadership workshop is required.

– Virtual
March 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be available to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The session will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Information regarding pick-up will be sent to attendees at the conclusion of the virtual session. Limited quantities available.

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U.S. Department of Education Taps 鶹ӳý to Lead Civil Discourse in Florida /news/u-s-department-of-education-taps-ucf-to-lead-civil-discourse-in-florida/ Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:22:35 +0000 /news/?p=150500 鶹ӳý receives a four-year, $3.4 million grant as part of the Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education to enhance communications skills among Florida students to better prepare them for the workforce.

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鶹ӳý is the only institution in the state of Florida selected to address the U.S. Department of Education’s civil discourse priority as part of its Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education initiative.

The department from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). Following a record number of applicants, 鶹ӳý was among the honorees with a four-year $3.4 million grant for our proposal — Civil Interactions and Viewpoints for Interpersonal Competence (CIVIC): A Campuswide Model — which seeks to protect and promote civil discourse on campuses.

“The future demands graduates who can collaborate effectively, navigate complex conversations and lead with integrity within varied professional environments, even when they don’t always agree.” — Andrea Guzmán, 鶹ӳý vice president for access and community engagement

“The future demands graduates who can collaborate effectively, navigate complex conversations and lead with integrity within varied professional environments, even when they don’t always agree,” says Andrea Guzmán, 鶹ӳý vice president for access and community engagement and CIVIC principal investigator. “This grant allows us to prepare students not just academically, but to be thoughtful citizens and professionals. By integrating civil discourse skills throughout curricular and co-curricular experiences, we are helping students develop the communication and critical thinking skills that employers, communities and our democracy depend on.”

What is the Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)?

FIPSE is a discretionary grant initiative that supports innovative projects to address urgent national needs in postsecondary education. The funds awarded from this specific program competition empower institutions to develop and scale solutions that improve educational outcomes, strengthen institutional capacity and align education with workforce demands.

In November, the Department of Education announced four FY 2025 competition priorities focused on expanding innovative teaching and student success initiatives, promoting civil discourse on campuses, advancing accreditation reform, and building capacity for high‑quality, workforce‑aligned short‑term academic programs eligible for Workforce Pell Grants.

While 鶹ӳý was Florida’s lone representative selected for the civil discourse priority, the state saw Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic University, and its Commission for Public Higher Education, Inc. earn grants in accreditation. Hillsborough Community College earned funding for AI.

Two male students and two female students sit at a table with microphones on a stage and a screen projection of the Ginsburg Center in the background.
Several students participate in the 2024 Student Success Conference panel: “Different Journeys, Different Views: Student Perspectives on the Value of Education.”

What is civil discourse?

’s defines civil discourse as constructive conversation or dialogue which intends to enhance understanding, be productive and requires taking responsibility for truly listening and talking about important local, national and global topics/issues.

“Civil discourse is about understanding the other person’s viewpoint so you can come together to make thoughtful decisions in spite of having different viewpoints,” Guzmán says.

Guzmán says she often hears students today are hesitant to share their own perspectives. She hopes that through this intentional framework, students will begin to feel more confident engaging civilly with those around them.

“Whether students are in the classroom or just having a conversation with a peer, we want them to have the skillset and emotional intelligence needed for constructive conversations,” Guzmán says. “They should still be able to walk away and respectfully say, ‘I still don’t agree with you, but let’s go get a burger and fries afterward.’ Too often, we’ve seen relationships fracture because the skill of civil discourse has been lost.”

How will 鶹ӳý use these funds?

’s priority with this $3.4 million grant is to intentionally embed civil discourse and constructive communication skills into the everyday experience at the university through four main strategies.

Brunette woman with her hair in a ponytail, black glasses and a white business coat smiles
Haley Winston ’17serves as 鶹ӳý’s Director of Civil Discourse.

Strategy 1: Faculty Learning Communities

The first strategy is geared toward . 鶹ӳý Director of Civil Discourse and Engagement Haley Winston ’17 and a faculty fellow, yet to be named, will partner to create a curriculum to offer paid learning experiences via faculty learning communities each semester and a track at the Summer Faculty Development Institute. This curriculum will inform faculty on strategies and methodologies for building civil discourse opportunities into their classes. There are also plans to develop and implement civil discourse modules in new faculty orientation.

Eventually, ’s course catalogue will recognize classes — much like it does now with service-learning courses — with a civil discourse designation.

Strategies 2 and 3: Student Orientation and Training

Two additional strategies are student-focused. One will collaborate with ’s to include civil discourse modules at orientation.

“From the very start of a student’s journey at 鶹ӳý, we set the expectation that we are an institution where people can express their views freely and constructively, in a respectful way,” Guzmán says.

The other will partner with to offer civil discourse training for both student employee onboarding training as well as a supervisor-specific training via its , preparing students to carry on these skills into the workforce after graduation.

Strategy 4: Mini-grants for Learning Opportunities

The fourth strategy is geared toward expanding co-curricular opportunities through the 鶹ӳý Ginsburg Center – Office of Civil Discourse and Engagement. Mini-grants will be offered to units and colleges who want to offer learning opportunities within their department or classrooms.

“This grant builds on work already underway at 鶹ӳý and allows us to scale it intentionally.”
— Andrea Guzmán

“This grant builds on work already underway at 鶹ӳý and allows us to scale it intentionally. It also enables the development of a pilot program designed to be replicated across the state university system,” Guzmán says. “The reason we are choosing to bolster programs like orientation and faculty learning communities are because these are existing infrastructures that almost every institution will have and can seamlessly incorporate.”

Six male and femal students sit at a round table
“From the very start of a student’s journey at 鶹ӳý, we set the expectation that we are an institution where people can express their views freely and constructively, in a respectful way,” Andrea Guzmán says.

What happens next?

The funding takes effect immediately. 鶹ӳý will invite faculty applications for the faculty fellow position during the Spring 2026 semester, with the appointment beginning in August.

’s will also organize an internal implementation team to confirm year-one priorities, which includes aligning timelines, refining deliverables and establishing the infrastructure needed to support the work.

“With every project we implement, we think about scale and long-term impact. The goal is always for meaningful, transformative work to live on beyond the grant,” says Cyndia Morales Muñiz ’13EdD, senior director of grant initiatives and partnerships, and CIVIC project director.

In addition to Muñiz, Guzmán and Winston, the project includes activity coordinators Joel Cramer, interim vice provost for Faculty Excellence; Chanda Torres ’98 ’00MA ’08EdD, assistant vice president of the Dixon Career Development Center; and Ryan Goodwin, assistant vice president for Strategic Initiatives.

In years three and four of the grant, 鶹ӳý will develop and host two symposiums for Florida’s State University System institutions and state colleges to share implementation strategies and lessons learned, providing a model that can be replicated at their own campuses.

“This is yet another example of 鶹ӳý leading the way to best serve our students and faculty and we look forward to getting started,” Muñiz says.

 

Note: 100% of ’s Civil Interactions and Viewpoints for Interpersonal Competence (CIVIC): A Campuswide Model is being financed with this federal funding and 0% of the program is being financed with non-federal funding.

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2024 Student Success Conference Several students participate in the 2024 Student Success Conference panel: “Different Journeys, Different Views: Student Perspectives on the Value of Education." Haley Winston_鶹ӳý_Civil Discourse Haley Winston Civil Discourse-ucf-students
6 Reasons Why Career Fairs Still Matter in the LinkedIn Era /news/6-reasons-why-career-fairs-still-matter-in-the-linkedin-era/ /news/6-reasons-why-career-fairs-still-matter-in-the-linkedin-era/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2016 16:42:52 +0000 /news/?p=70895 In today’s digital world, most people turn to the internet to find a job. It’s as easy as type, click and submit. While technology has made it easier to find and apply for jobs, it has also created a competitive, cluttered and chaotic environment that makes it hard to stand out and even harder to break through. Although career fairs may seem like an outdated job search method, Sheila Vargas, a career development coordinator for Rosen College, says they still have a place in the modern job market and here’s why:

  1. You can interview the company before they interview you.

Sometimes, your impression of what it would be like to work at a particular company differs from reality, so going to a career fair is a golden opportunity to talk to employees, learn about the culture and ask questions about open positions. This insight can help you decide if that company is actually the right fit for you and will help you achieve your career goals.

  1. You get valuable face time with people who can directly impact the success of your application.

Quite often, the people staffing a career fair booth on behalf of a company are human resources or recruiting professionals. These individuals are the gatekeepers to the job you want. They get scores of e-mails every day, so meeting them in person is a rare chance to make a memorable impression and establish a connection that can eventually get you in the door.

  1. It’s a great chance to practice your interview skills.

Talking to company representatives at a career fair is similar to doing an initial screening for a job. No matter how experienced you are, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to interview skills, so take advantage of a unique situation – a room full of companies who want to talk to you and have the time.

  1. Lesser known organizations can build brand awareness and attract top talent.

Some companies are household names, but the vast majority don’t enjoy the same level of brand recognition, which makes it challenging to reach qualified job candidates. Career fairs are a valuable platform for employers to educate people about their organizations and increase brand awareness. If you’re new to the area and beginning your job search, it’s also a convenient way to learn about the local job market and research employers.

  1. You can follow up on the status of an online application.

If you’ve already applied to a position, but haven’t received a response or want to know the status of your application, you can inquire about it at a career fair. In some cases, company representatives may even offer to look up your application on the spot and provide feedback. At the very least, you can get an actual person’s contact information and follow up later via e-mail.

  1. Build connections now that can pay off later.

The company you’re interested in working for might not have any positions for you now, but circumstances change and weeks, months or even years down the road, something could become available. Remember to be patient because a connection you make at a career fair can pay off if you keep in touch and show genuine interest in the organization.

Rosen College’s Career and Experiential Learning Fair is on Thursday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the 鶹ӳý Rosen College courtyard. Leading organizations from the hospitality and tourism industry visit the campus every semester to discuss full-time, part-time and internship opportunities with students majoring in hospitality management, restaurant management and event management. Rosen College students plan and execute the career fair as part of a class project, handling every aspect of the event, including the theme, decor, marketing, promotion and lunch menu.

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Hospitality Employers Seek Students for Jobs, Internships at Rosen College Career Fair /news/hospitality-employers-seek-students-for-jobs-internships-at-rosen-college-career-fair/ Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:50:58 +0000 /news/?p=68991 On Thursday, Oct. 22, 69 employers were on hand for the Rosen College of Hospitality Management Fall 2015 Career & Experiential Learning Fair. Over 780 students had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with representatives from top hospitality and tourism companies to learn about full-time, part-time and internship opportunities.

In addition to meeting employers, students could visit the Career Fair Ready Room to get advice from 鶹ӳý alumni, check their appearance, practice their elevator speech and take a professional photo for LinkedIn.

Rosen College students plan and execute the Career Fair every semester as part of a class project, handling every aspect of the event, including the theme, decor, marketing, promotion and lunch menu. The Fall 2015 Career Fair theme was inspired by The Beatles, anchored by the tagline, “Imagine All the Possibilities,” encouraging students to dream big about their futures and pursue their career goals.

Employers who participated in the Fall 2015 Career Fair include:

  • 4R Restaurant Group
  • Alys Beach Resort, LLC
  • ’s
  • Bags
  • Blueridge Restaurant Group
  • Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
  • Booking.com
  • Calypso Cay Resort
  • Caribe Royale
  • 󾱱’s
  • Club Med
  • Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
  • Cullasaja Club
  • Diamond Resorts International
  • Dignity Memorial
  • Drury Hotels
  • Ecolab
  • Edibles by Ethel, Events and Catering
  • Einstein Bros. Bagels
  • Enterprise Rent-a-car
  • EtourandTravel (Festiva Resort Group)
  • Expedia Inc.
  • Florida Hospital Medical Group
  • Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World
  • Gartner
  • Hello! Florida Destination Management
  • Hilton Grand Vacations
  • Hilton Worldwide
  • Hilton Worldwide Table #2
  • Holiday Inn Club Vacations
  • Hotel Management Services
  • Hyatt Hotels Corporation
  • Jason’s Deli
  • LEGOLAND Florida
  • Levy Restaurants
  • Loews Hotels- Resorts
  • Manor Vail Lodge
  • Marriott International
  • Marriott Vacations Worldwide
  • Melia Orlando Suite Hotel
  • Miller’s Ale House Restaurants
  • Morgans Hotel Group
  • Ocean Properties, LTD.
  • Olive Garden Italian Kitchen
  • Orlando Health
  • Premier Beverage
  • PSAV
  • Radisson Resort Orlando- Celebration
  • Reunion Resort
  • Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch
  • Rosen Hotels and Resorts
  • Rusty Pelican and Whiskey Joe’s/ Specialty Restaurants Corporation
  • Shake Shack
  • Spirit Airlines
  • Sprinkles Cupcakes
  • Starwood Hotels & Resorts
  • Starwood Hotels & Resorts Booth 2
  • StaySky Resort Management
  • The Breakers Palm Beach
  • The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone
  • The Omni Orlando Resorta at Champions Gate
  • Tijuana Flats Tex-Mex
  • Tony Roma’s
  • Towne Park
  • TR Fire Grill
  • Vacation Village at Parkway
  • Visit Orlando
  • Wawa
  • White Lodging
  • Wyndham Vacation Ownership
  • Learn more about participating in Rosen College’s next Career Fair.

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    Experience the Rosen College Career Fair in Less Than 30 Seconds /news/experience-rosen-college-career-fair-timelapse/ Mon, 02 Mar 2015 15:58:52 +0000 /news/?p=64626 On Thursday, Feb. 26, 610 students had the opportunity to meet 72 different employers at 鶹ӳý’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management Spring 2015 Career & Experiential Learning Fair. Leading organizations from the hospitality and tourism industry visited the campus to discuss full-time, part-time and internship opportunities with students majoring in hospitality management, restaurant management and event management.

    Students also visited the Career Fair Ready Room to get advice from 鶹ӳý alumni, check their appearance, practice their elevator speech and take a professional photo for LinkedIn.

    Rosen College students plan and execute the Career Fair every semester as part of a class project, handling every aspect of the event, including the theme, decor, marketing, promotion and lunch menu. The Spring 2015 Career Fair theme was nature and growth, anchored by the tagline, “Branch Out, Get Rooted,” encouraging students to branch out and meet new employers, and get rooted in a new career.

    Employers who participated in the Spring 2015 Career Fair include:

  • 4R Smokehouse
  • ABC Companies
  • Alys Beach
  • Aramark
  • Bluegreen Vacations
  • Booking.com
  • Brown Distributing Company
  • Capitol Services Inc. Florida
  • Caribe Royale Orlando
  • Centerplate (at the Orange County Convention Center)
  • Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
  • Crayola Experience
  • CULINAIRE Distinctive Dining and Hospitality Management
  • Darden
  • Diamond Resorts International
  • Dignity Memorial
  • Disney Internships and Programs
  • Disney Meetings & Events
  • DNC Parks and Resorts at KSC, Inc.
  • Doubletree by Hilton at Seaworld
  • Drury Hotels
  • Ecolab
  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car
  • F&G Hospitality Consulting
  • Four Seasons Resort Orlando
  • Greystar
  • Hilton Worldwide/ Hilton Grand Vacations
  • Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort
  • Hyatt Hotels Corporation
  • J. Alexander’s Restaurants
  • Jason’s Deli
  • Kessler Collection
  • Landry’s Restaurants
  • Legoland Florida
  • Levy Restaurants at the Amway Center, Citrus Bowl
  • Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando
  • Marriott International
  • Marriott Vacations Worldwide
  • MasterCorp, Inc.
  • Meadow Brook Club
  • Merlin Entertainments
  • Miller’s Ale House
  • Nickelodeon Suites Resort
  • Nordstrom
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Ocean House & Weekapaug Inn
  • Old Edwards Hospitality Group
  • Omni Hotels & Resorts
  • Panera Bread
  • Pappas Restaurants
  • Picerne Real Estate Group
  • Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
  • PSAV Presentation Services
  • Republic National Distributing Company
  • Rosen Hotels & Resorts
  • Seaworld Orlando
  • Sixt Rent a Car
  • Sonny’s BBQ
  • South Seas Island Resort
  • Sprinkles Cupcakes
  • Starwood Hotels & Resorts
  • Starwood Vacation Ownership
  • Target
  • The Breakers
  • Tijuana Flats
  • Tourico Holidays
  • Universal Orlando Resort
  • Visit Orlando
  • Wawa Inc.
  • Wyndham Vacation Ownership
  • For more information about participating in Rosen College’s next Career Fair, visit hospitality.ucf.edu/careerfair.

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    Over 60 Employers Talk Jobs, Internships with Hospitality Students /news/60-employers-talk-jobs-internships-hospitality-students/ Mon, 03 Mar 2014 17:38:41 +0000 /news/?p=57731 鶹ӳý’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management hosted the Spring 2014 Career Fair on Thursday, Feb. 27. Over 60 employers from the hospitality and tourism industry were on hand to discuss full-time, part-time and internship opportunities with students majoring in hospitality management, restaurant management and event management.

    “This is an incredible opportunity for employers to connect with a highly-targeted audience of students who are truly invested in pursuing careers in the hospitality industry,” said Bradley Loomis, assistant director of employer relations for 鶹ӳý Career Services at Rosen College.

    Students plan and execute the Career Fair every semester as a class project, handling every aspect of the event, including the theme, decor, marketing, promotion and lunch menu.  The Spring 2014 Career Fair was safari-themed, anchored by the tagline,  “Where Your Adventure Begins.” In addition to applying the skills and techniques learned in class to a real-life event, students get an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the industry’s top companies.

    “The students have the opportunity to network, practice their elevator speech and become connected to industry professionals all under one roof,” said , an instructor at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, who teaches the Event Management class in which students plan and execute the Career Fair. “It’s almost like a one-stop shop of employers that, to my knowledge,  the students would not be able to get otherwise.”

    Employers who attended the Spring 2014 Career Fair include:

    4 Rivers Smokehouse

    ’s

    Aramark

    Blue Ridge Restaurant Group

    Brinker International

    Buena Vista Palace and Spa

    Caribe Royale

    岹’s

    Cracker Barrel

    Cruise Career Partners

    Darden

    Dignity Memorial

    Disney Destinations

    Disney Internships and Programs

    Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at Seaworld

    Ecolab

    Enterprise Holdings

    Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

    Frenchman’s Creek Beach and Country Club

    Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp. Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes

    Hillstone Restaurant Group

    Hilton Worldwide

    Holland American/ Princess-Alaska

    Hyatt

    J. Alexander’s Restaurants

    Jason’s Deli

    Kessler Collection

    LEGOLAND Florida

    Loews Universal

    Marriott International

    Marriott- Orlando Market

    Marriott Vacations Worldwide

    Ocean House & Weekapaug Inn

    Old Edwards Inn and Spa

    Orange Lake Reosrts

    Orlando Magic

    Ovations Food Services

    Panera Bread

    Picerne Real Estate Group

    PSAV Presentation Services

    Republic National Distributing Company

    Rosen Hotels & Resorts

    SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

    Sixt Rent a Car

    South Seas Island Resort

    Starwood Hotels and Resorts

    staySky Resort Management

    Target Stores

    The Breakers Palm Beach

    The Ritz-Carlton & JW Marriott

    Tijuana Flats Burrito Co.

    Tony Romas

    Tourico Holidays Travel Academy

    Towne Park

    Transtar Transportation Group

    TravelClick

    Universal Orlando Resort

    Visit Orlando

    Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

    WaWa Inc.

    White Lodging

    Wyndham Vacation Ownership

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