BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois Wesleyan University students have the chance to attend
four upcoming career events this semester where they can connect with potential employers
and network with alumni.
“I have seen IWU students gain valuable mentoring contacts with alumni and other professionals,”
said Warren
University.
Kistner, director of the Hart Career Center which is organizing the events. “I’ve seen [students] develop their confidence in talking with employers about their
organizations and opportunities, and land internships and jobs directly from contacts
that they’ve made at these events.”
Kistner said the purpose of the Hart Career Center goes beyond internships and jobs
— it allows students to find opportunities to pursue their passions.
“This has to be tempered with the reality that we often start out with a position
that may not be directly related to our career goal but can provide a professional
foundation from which to launch one’s career,” he said.
In preparation for these upcoming career fairs and events, Kistner recommends that
students bring a copy of their resume, research organizations in advance, and plan
to dress professionally.
Finance & Accounting Career Night – Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 6-8 p.m. in the Young Main Lounge
This event is intended for all students, especially those studying accounting, economics,
computer science, mathematics and all areas of business.
Finance & Accounting Career Night will include 21 organizations, with representatives
from talent acquisition and human resources. Kistner said many of the organizations
will have IWU alumni present to represent the companies.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our current students to connect with successful
IWU alumni. We have information in Handshake, on our website and in our office to assist students in preparing their resumes,”
said Kistner.
Kistner encouraged students to complete their Handshake profile in its entirety and
keep it up to date.
“Handshake is our career services management system. Students can review a database
of internships and jobs, check out upcoming Hart Career Center events and schedule
appointments with our office,” he said.
Fall 2024 Job & Internship Fair – Monday, Sept. 30 from 4-7 p.m. at the Shirk Center
Around 75 employers will fill the Shirk Center to provide information about jobs and
internships at the Fall 2024 Job & Internship Fair.
“Students needing assistance with their resume for this event should be scheduling
appointments with a staff member now,” noted Kistner. “In addition to preparing a
resume, students need to research companies/firms so they can demonstrate true interest
and knowledge of these organizations.”
Kistner also added students should prepare an “elevator speech” to share with employers
when approaching their tables that evening.
“Our career fairs, small and large, are very important for several reasons. Employers
are still attending career fairs but are doing less on-campus interviewing since initial
interviews are usually virtual today. These career fairs provide the personal contact
that is so important in personalizing the internship and job search process. If a
student just applies online, they may not hear anything without some connections,”
said Kistner.
2024 Nursing & Health Sciences Fair – Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Shirk Center
The Nursing & Health Sciences Fair will give students a chance to connect with hospitals,
graduate schools and other healthcare organizations. Students of all school years
are encouraged to attend.
2024 STEM Night – Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Young Main Lounge
Students in psychics, computer science, math and related disciplines are invited to
attend and attain more knowledge around internship and career options in the STEM
field.
Illinois Wesleyan students are also encouraged to attend career fairs hosted by Illinois State University to explore internships, full-time roles and volunteer opportunities.