Attending a CSC hosted or sponsored events prior to the Expo is another great way to get inside knowledge and advice on how to prepare for the Expo.

CSC will be hosting various graduate school events to help students prepare for the Expo in the weeks leading up to the Expo. These events include:

• Soda Floats & Resumes – Tues Sept 24 from 12pm – 1pm (hybrid)
• Grad School 101 & Faculty Panel event – Wed Sept 25 from 12pm – 1:30pm
• CVs & Cinnamon Rolls – Wed Oct 2 from 4pm – 5pm (hybrid)
• JCP Suit-Up (30-45% off career wear) – Sat Oct 5 from 11am – 2pm at JCP at Galleria Mall
• Grad Expo Prep Event – Wed Oct 9 from 12:30pm – 1:30pm (hybrid)

For more information on these events and others hosted by CSC, visit Scorpion Central.

Before the Event:

1. Pick out an outfit so you can dress to impress!

While there is no dress code to attend this event, if you are serious about looking for opportunities and networking, wearing an outfit that is professional and helps you feel confident is important! If you need an outfit but cannot afford one, Career Services will be hosting our Career Services Center Pop-Ups on the days below that feature the Career Closet – a FREE resource to all current NS students that provides FREE career appropriate clothing to students for them to keep!

• Mon Sept 9 from 10:30am – 7:30pm
• Thurs Sept 19 from 10:30am – 4pm
• Tues Oct 8 from 10:30am – 4pm
• Thurs Oct 10 from 10:30am – 4pm

For more information on these events and others hosted by CSC, visit Scorpion Central.

2. Get your resume or CV updated and reviewed!

If you are serious about applying to graduate programs, all will require you to submit a resume or CV (they are different!) upon application. Get ahead by getting your resume or CV reviewed with a Career Advisor – see Prepare with a Career Advisor dropdown above for more info.

3. Ask for letters of recommendation early!

If you already know you want to apply to grad school, consider who you will ask for a letter of recommendation. Most programs will require anywhere from 1-4 letters of recommendation of which at least 1-2 will need to be references from academic faculty. It takes most people a few weeks to write a good letter of recommendation, and some people may be writing multiple letters of recommendation at one time. Be sure to give folks at least a months’ notice of when it is due (but the earlier the better).

At the Event:

1. Bring some kind of folder or bag

This will allow you to have a place to save information sheets and business cards.

2. Introduce yourself with a handshake (if comfortable).

Handshakes are a long-standing tradition in networking events such as the Expo. If someone goes to shake your hand and you are uncomfortable with shaking hands due to health concerns, just let them know and offer to elbow tap instead to prevent the spreading of germs.

3. Challenge yourself to talk to as many programs as possible. 

You never know what kind of connection you could make or if you could meet your mentor.

4. Be ok with being uncomfortable!

We know it can be nerve wracking to walk up and introduce yourself, but it’ll never get better unless you try. These individuals have also been in your shoes before and want to connect with you which they can’t do unless you talk to them.

After the Event:

1. Follow-up with recruiters.

If you were able to collect some business cards or other contact information, it is best practice to send a follow-up email within 48-72 hours to say thank you for taking the time to speak with you. This shows you are serious!

2. Meet with a Career Advisor

If you found some programs at the event you want to apply for, we recommend meeting with one of our Career Advisors to discuss next steps such as creating a resume (if you didn’t already), talking about your personal statement / letter of intent, and reviewing your interview skills.

General Dos and Donts:

• DONT text or scroll on your phone while interacting with employers.
• DONT avoid eye contact or speak quietly; speak clearly and distinctly. There will be lots of background noise. If eye contact makes you uncomfortable, look at the recruiter’s nose. No one will know the difference.

Networking Opportunities – The Grad School Expo is a great place to network and begin making connections in your field of interest. Talking with program representatives will give you the opportunity to hear their expert advice on how to stand out in your field, how to make yourself a competitive applicant for their programs, and serve as a resource for future career field insights.

Learn About Graduate Programs – There are many, many different types of graduate programs out there in more fields can you might even imagine! Attending this event can help you learn about schools and programs you may not have known existed, which in turn can open up different future career opportunities.

Learn About Graduate Program Admissions Requirements – Graduate programs often require very different materials to apply and have different admissions requirements than undergraduate programs. By attending this event you can learn what you need to do to prepare yourself to apply to graduate programs and get ahead of the game!

We will be doing a random prize drawing to give away one (1)  ‘New Professional Kit’, one (1) ‘Grad School Ready Kit’ and one (1) $50 Amazon Gift Card to those individuals who RSVP & ATTEND the Expo. Winners will be randomly selected within 1 week after the event and contacted directly to coordinate prize pick-up.

CONDITIONS:

• Prizes are limited to current NS students and alumni.
• Individuals must RSVP prior and attend the event to be considered for the random prize drawings.
• Winners will be contacted directly to pick up their prize. Prizes will need to be picked up ON-CAMPUS – no exceptions.