This edition of the REACH Toolbox continues a series of articles that detail the services that are offered by the REACH Program and University Career Services to help students with disabilities achieve their career goals. Although most of these services may appear to be more general in nature, it is important to remember that all students, regardless of the presence or absence of disabilities, have exciting opportunities to explore their career interests, apply for jobs, prepare for interviews, and engage in their chosen fields of employment. Therefore, REACH and University Career Services endeavors to provide the following services to assist students for each of these phases:
- Take assessments to identify potential careers based on personality preferences and interests.
- Partner with Career Directors in respective colleges to learn about industry-specific internship/employment opportunities.
- Create a Handshake (BYU’s platform connecting students to employers) to receive opportunities tailored to specific interests and skills.
- Prepare for Career and STEM Fairs.
- Prepare application materials (e.g., cover letters, resumes, references, thank-you notes).
- Prepare for job interviews.
- Determine if and when disability disclosure to employers is appropriate.
- Learn strategies to request accommodations.
What are the Career and STEM Fairs?
The Career and STEM Fairs are hosted by University Career Services. Between the two fairs, approximately 150 companies visit campus, including public businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The fairs offer an informal setting in which you can talk to recruiters about their companies and how you could add value and further their goals.
Who Should Attend?
YOU – Even if you are not currently seeking full-time employment, you can benefit by speaking to recruiters from the many companies in attendance. Learn about the skills for which these companies are seeking, the working environments, and the personal attributes and qualities that they value. This information will help you as you prepare to seek employment.
Tips to Make the Most of the Fair:
- Learn what companies will be at the fairs by logging into http://handshake.byu.edu/ and locating the “BYU Career Fair Winter 2019” or “BYU STEM Career Fair Winter 2019” links (events are organized according to date, so you will need to scroll down the page until you see the desired events) under the “Events” tab at the top of the screen (you may also view the list of companies on the mobile Handshake app under the “Events” tab).
- Make a list of potential companies (between five and ten) that you would like to visit during the fairs and research them to understand what they do and the market that they serve (employer participants at the career fairs most commonly indicate that students need to more thoroughly research companies before attending the fairs).
Prepare a 30-second “elevator” pitch (use a present-past-future format):
- Present – Discuss what you are currently studying and where you are currently working (if applicable).
- Past – Discuss where you have worked and what made you interested in the particular employment field that you are pursuing.
- Future – Discuss your short-term or long-term career goals, where you see yourself in five years, and the skills that you can bring to employers.
- Dress professionally (as if going to a job interview).
- Bring your professional resume (10-20 copies) printed on bond paper.
- Remember that recruiters may only represent certain majors and skill sets, but most companies are likely seeking candidates from other majors and skill sets.
- Attend University Career Services-sponsored events: