Career Fair Reflection

The English Career Fair last Friday, March 31st featured four speakers and several potential employers that were we able to speak with. Being able to see how what we are taught in English classes will effect, influence open up career possibilities was a really neat opportunity. I found myself focusing in mostly on the possibility of working within the technical writing field and resume/applications tips offered by the speakers.

Lynda Del Genis was the speaker representing the technical writing field. She highlighted the importance of taking initiative within the workplace and the potential benefits of being proactive with on-the-job learning. Talking to her one on one, she told me that there is almost always opportunity to find work as a technical writer and that a subsection of technical writing known as industrial writing might interest me. I’m currently in my second year here at Stevenson so I’ll have awhile before I need to start seriously considering internship/job possibilities, but I’ll definitely look into that area when I begin my search.

According to the panel, writing is a fairly universal and transferable skill appreciated by many employers in many fields. The ability to write effectively should be highlighted, as well as demonstrated on any resume or application. Each round table member highlighted the importance of writing while sharing their personal “employment narratives” with us. Other advice included the completion of an internship, self-confidence, perseverance and communication skills. While job searching still seems somewhat anxiety inducing and stressful, attending this career fair did help improve my concept of what I should do to prepare for/look for, which does help keep things in perspective and manageable!