Research

Attending the Career Fair is much like preparing for a job interview itself. Students should arrive already prepared with an idea of who they may want to speak to and how to present themselves. It is good practice to research the exhibitors. Being familiar with the employers and organizations that interest you helps to tailor your conversation with the exhibitors. Prepare some questions based on what you saw on the exhibitor’s website or based on your knowledge of their operations. For example, avoid generic questions such as “what does your company do?” and instead ask specific questions. Questions such as “What key skills do you look for?” or “What is the typical career path for recent graduates within your organization?” The more time you take to learn about the exhibitors, the more engaging the conversation can be with at the fair. A list of this year’s exhibitors can be found on the UM Career Fair website.

Prepare yourself

One of the important things to remember about the Career Fair is that the exhibitors are not the only ones promoting themselves. The Career Fair is a chance for students and alumni to promote themselves. This means you, the student, also have to have a pitch. Practice a short pitch; introduce yourself, your career aspirations, your skills and experience, what interests you about the company or organization you are speaking to. Keep it short, keep it professional, but keep it impactful. Career Services has online guides to help students write their personal statements that can make all the difference in ensuring you stand out from the other candidates.

Prepare your resumé and cover letter

Coming to the Career Fair empty-handed is like going to an exam without studying. The work needs to be done beforehand, and your resumé is proof of the work put into preparing for the fair. Writing a resumé can be daunting. Fortunately, Career Services are here to help. Career Services has been all hands-on deck to get students ready for the Career Fair, hosting workshops on job searches, resumé writing, and interview skills since the start of January. Right before the Career Fair, Career Services will be hosting a Resumé Drop-in on Monday, January 20. Those attending the Career Fair who may want feedback on their resumé are encouraged to register to attend the event through UMConnect for feedback and assistance with their resumes.

LinkedIn photo booth – Professional headshots

Hosted by the UM Alumni Association, this Pop-Up Photo Lounge will be available for students and alumni on both January 22 and 23 during the fair hours.  Pre-register for a set time. Walk-up service may also be possible, we welcome you to visit the lounge at any point during the fair.

Outside of the Career Fair, Career Services offers regular support for students looking for help with career planning. Students can meet one-on-one with a career consultant to receive aid and connect students with possible opportunities and develop strategies for exploring career paths.

Throughout the year, Career Services offers workshops on resumé building, job searching, interviews, and more, as well as providing resources for students at every stage of their job search. During the Winter Term, the Resumé Learning Centre, which assists students year-round with their resumés and cover letters, is hosting drop-in sessions at 474 UMSU University Centre on the following days of the week:

• Mondays: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
• Tuesdays: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 2:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Thursdays: 10:00 to 1:00 p.m. 

To schedule an appointment with Career Services, e-mail or cs.receptionist[at]umanitoba.ca or call their office at 474 UMSU University Centre at 204-474-9456.

UM Career Fair 2024
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 | 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 | 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

1st and 2nd floor (Campo, GSA Lounge, MPR, Marshall McLuhan Hall)
UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellor’s Circle

To maximize your Career Fair experience, you can prepare by accessing the list of employers attending on the Career Services website. Look at a new industry you haven’t considered before to see all the opportunities in front of you. You might just happen upon something that could take you in an exciting new direction. Be sure to research the organizations and career opportunities thoroughly so you are able to have focused conversations about your areas of interest. Beyond allowing you to make informed decisions about how you want to build your career, being knowledgeable about an organization is the key to making your resumé stand out in a pile of qualified applicants. Get a feel for what the employer is seeking by talking to them at the Career Fair. Ask about the top skills or experiences they are seeking in new hires.

Career Services also offers career fair prep sessions so you can learn how to effectively connect and network with employers. Check the ‘Prepare for the UM Career Fair‘ section on the website or register on UMConnect. Need help with your resumé? The Resumé Learning Centre can help – email your resumé to cs[dot]receptionist[at]umanitoba.ca and make an appointment with a member of the Career Services team to ensure your marketing materials are the best they can be. The better prepared you are in advance of the Career Fair, the more successful you will be. There are also plenty of online resources to support your preparation. Access the job search and resumé workbooks to prepare for the event. 

Start to build the career you want by learning more about yourself and the world of work. Career Services is here to assist you in mapping a plan to create the life you want to live and do what inspires you. Whether you need support planning for the Career Fair or planning for your wider career, you can visit us at 474 University Centre or use our online resources.

You will also find us at the Career Services booth at the Career Fair. See you on January 16 and 17!

We can’t wait to see you there.

If you are interested in volunteer experience, please consider signing up to volunteer at the UM Career Fair.