The Spring Career Expo: getting prepared for the real world

Job searches and interviews can be very daunting, mainly because we typically do not know what to expect or are feeling underprepared. Charleston Southern University strives to prepare students for these opportunities. On February 28 and March 2, CSU will host its annual Spring Career Expo, with four sessions; two sessions per day. The sessions are categorized by student majors to make it easier for students to know which session to attend. More than 100 employers will be represented at this year’s Expo!

The morning session on the first day, which takes place from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., will host employers for Liberal Arts and Criminal Justice majors, while the evening session, from 4-7:30 p.m. will host employers for Education and Christian Studies majors. The second day of the Expo will host employers for Business, Communication Studies, and Graphic Design majors from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., and the evening session, from 4-7:30 p.m., will host employers for Health Professions and Sciences majors.

Lauren Totuszynski, the associate director of the Career Center, provided some clarity on possible questions for students.

• How can a student be best prepared for the Expo?
  • Students can best prepare for the Spring Career Expo by researching the employers who are coming to each expo segment. Students should be able to see all registered employers on the Handshake platform. Secondly, students can get their resume checked by a Career Center staff member and print out their resume on resume paper. Prepare to make a great first impression on the employers and recruiters, but remember they are coming to recruit you. You are interviewing them just as they are interviewing you. Lastly, ask questions and get to know the companies and organizations who will be in attendance.
• Do I need to bring a resume or anything else?
  • We highly encourage students to bring a resume to the Spring Career Expo segments. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to make a great first impression among employers. These expo segments can help you see if these organizations are a great fit for you before having a formal interview. If you have an elevator pitch ready, be prepared to share it with employers who will attend the Spring Career Expo segments.
• What if I do not have a resume?
  • Even if you do not have a resume yet, you should still attend the Expo. We can help students with their resume after the Expo is over through one-on-one appointments, email correspondence or Resume Workshops we are planning for Career Week.
• Is there a certain dress code I need to follow? If so, can you tell me a little more about the clothes closet that CSU has that helps students dress for success?
  • We recommend students make their best first impression with the employers by dressing in professional business attire. This moment is for you to show these employers that you can be an asset to their team.
  • We are in the beginning stages of our closet, and we are working to ensure that there will be a variety of sizes and styles available for all students. However, we are not quite ready to outfit students right now. But we can absolutely help you make a decision on whether an item is appropriate to wear for this event.
• Will I need to be prepared to participate in an interview? Or is it more casual conversation with the companies represented as I roam around the expo?
  • While the expo segments will not be a formal interview setting, it is best to treat it with the same respect. Make eye contact with the employers and be prepared to ask them questions. This is just as much of a first impression for you as it is for them. Some employers may choose to conduct an interview on the spot or in the Career Center Conference Room. In fact, we do have one employer so far who will be conducting interviews on the Friday following the Expo!

The Spring Career Expo is a fantastic way for graduating and current students alike to get connected to employers in the area for jobs. You don’t have to commit to a full-time position. If you are a college student looking to make some money during the school year but don’t know where to start, this is a great way to explore your options.

Don’t let this amazing opportunity to get connected for job opportunities pass you by. If you have any further questions regarding the Spring Career Expo, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Lauren Totuszynski at ltotuszynski@csuniv.edu, or to Shallon Mims, director of the Career Center at smims@csuniv.edu. We hope to see you there!

Register here:

• Liberal Arts & Criminal Justice
• Education & Christian Studies
• Business, Communication Studies & Graphic Design
• Health Professions & Sciences

Zanelle Willemse is a senior communication major and is a spring 2023 intern with the Office of Marketing & Communication.