Attending the Pro Expo as a freshman....(I will be careful and not say 'sucks') ...is difficult. Basically there is no hope whatsoever of being even considered for an intern and any company. I accepted this and admitted that I would not be considered to each booth I approached. I used this experience as a way to learn for next year and get connected with recruiters. I also needed to discover on my own what type of company I would want to work for. The first station I went to was the MIT Lincoln Laboratory, which only accepts juniors and above. I was semi-nervous talking to the lady, even though she was doing most of the talking. I found myself awkward staring into her eyes so my eyes drifted away a couple times....which shows you're not interested/confident. I fixed this when I talked to the next 2 companies, GEICO and MetLife. I suddenly became more engaged in the conversation and felt more comfortable looking at the recruiter in the eyes.
I am glad that I went to the Pro Expo this year, otherwise my first meeting next year would have been more difficult. It was also very beneficial to have a free dinner at the Networking Reception.
Comments (4)
I totally agree with you. At first when I went to the Pro Expo, Nittany Inn Reception, and Career Days, I was nervous and not very confident. However, with each company, I became a little more confident. All and all, I thought it was a great experience even if an internship does not come out of it for me this summer. At the very least, the companies know that I exist, which is half the battle.
Posted by Steven Dodge | September 21, 2007 3:51 PM
Posted on September 21, 2007 15:51
Al, even though I was sick most of the day during the Pro-Expo, I saw you talking to the recruiter at the MetLife booth. Don't be unsure of yourself. Your height and composure are two great advantages that you have over other people. Your tie was pretty snazzy, too.
Posted by Matt Maisel | September 26, 2007 4:59 PM
Posted on September 26, 2007 16:59
I went to the Pro Expo too, and had similar experiences. It was quite nerve wracking to approach a company. I'm sure if I wasn't a freshman it would have been a little different, as I would be more or less "selling myself" to them instead of just hearing how they only want juniors. It was nonetheless a good experience and I'm glad I went. They should have another one in the spring. I'll probably try that one, as I'd really like to get a nice summer internship.
Posted by Tim Nary | October 3, 2007 12:19 PM
Posted on October 3, 2007 12:19
WEll I'm glad that you had a positive experience with the Pro-Expo, as I started walking to a guy, I heard him turning down the kid he was talking to telling him that they don't accept freshmen resumes. I left thinking it was going to be embarrassing and useless if I continued.
Posted by Eric Herrera | December 15, 2007 7:36 AM
Posted on December 15, 2007 07:36