Top 5 Questions to ask at a College/Career Fair
Tips from Rocio, SoCal ROC’s Career Guidance Specialist
Career fairs can be a valuable opportunity for job seekers to connect with potential employers, learn about job opportunities, and network with other professionals in their field. They can also provide insight into the current job market and help individuals refine their job search strategies. However, it is important to take full advantage of the opportunity and to ask the right questions. To find out the best questions to ask at a career fair I interviewed Rocio Pineda-Contreras, SoCal ROC’s Career Guidance Specialist.
Meet Rocio
Rocio Pineda-Contreras has been a Career Guidance Specialist at SoCal ROC since 2014. Rocio found her passion for helping students while working on her undergrad degree. Like many of us, she understands how overwhelming and intimidating choosing a career path can be. She resonates with feeling lost and confused and not knowing where to start. In fact, it is what fuels her desire to help students jumpstart their careers.
Her desire to help students and her ability to resonate with their struggles led her to a career as a school counselor and eventually a Career Guidance Specialist at SoCal ROC. Rocio takes great pride in leveraging her 25+ years of experience in education and jumped at the opportunity to share her insights with the SoCal ROC Community.
Understanding how daunting career fairs can be, she shared her top 5 tips to ask at a career fair!
Top 5 Tips to Ask at a College/Career Fair?
- What education/training is required to enter your career field?
Oftentimes you would be surprised at the different paths people take to end up in the position they are in. It is important to know where to start and to gain any insider information on the industry that can give you an advantage. - What does a typical day look like in your field?
When looking into a potential career the majority of information you find is speaking in generalities. This is a great question to ask to gain a clearer and more realistic idea of what the position entails. Based on their answers you can better assess if it is a position you would be interested in. - What entry-level positions would you recommend that can lead to your position? What, if any, experience do I need to become a quality candidate for those entry-level positions?
Entry-level positions are a great way to get your foot in the door and around the right people. However, even an entry-level position might require some previous experience. If you know this beforehand you not only have an idea of the position you need to apply for but also how to become a qualified candidate for that position. - What is the most challenging aspect of your career and what is the most rewarding/best part?
Every job has its pros and cons, and it is very helpful to hear a current professional’s perspective. It is also a great way to personally connect with the career professional. - How abundant are employment opportunities in your field/career?
When considering entering a desired career it is important to know the projected job growth. Projected job growth gives you valuable insight on how easy or difficult it will be for you to get employed in that occupation. You can find this information online but it doesn't hurt to find out from someone currently employed in that industry. If your desired career’s projected job growth is not particularly high, don't be discouraged. Knowing this information will allow you to take the appropriate steps whether that's shifting your career goals or dedicating extra time and effort to separate yourself from the pack.
Where to find career fairs?
If you are interested in attending career fairs whether virtually or in person, there are an abundant number of opportunities. The first thing I would do is google career fairs near you, whether in person or online they are a valuable resource and can help you make connections and learn about upcoming opportunities.
There are countless virtual career fair platforms such as CloudHire, and AllEvents.in. You can also find both virtual and in-person career fairs by visiting Eventbrite. Our partner South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB) also posts about local job fairs and job openings.
What are other ways you can jumpstart your career?
If you are interested in other ways to jumpstart your career, I encourage you to check out all of the amazing courses offered by SoCal ROC. SoCal ROC offers our students real-world experiences and an opportunity to jumpstart their careers. With classroom learning environments designed to replicate as closely as possible the workplace they represent and courses taught by instructors who are still in the industry, we offer high-quality Career Technical Education and hands-on learning opportunities.
Find a course offered by one of our schools that fits your career goals!
SoCal ROC’s School of Art and Design
- Graphic Design, 3D/Game Design, and Fashion Design programs.
SoCal ROC’s School of Engineering and Design
- Automotive, General Electrician, HVAC, and Welding.
SoCal ROC’s School of Health Sciences
- Dental, Emergency Care, Medical Assisting, Sterile Processing Distribution Tech, Health Unit Coordinator/ EKG Monitor Tech, Nursing Assistant, Kinesiology, Pharmacy, Pet Health and Grooming, and Veterinary Programs.
SoCal ROC’s School of Public and Consumer Services
- offers aspiring Cosmetologists an affordable, personable, and salon-like environment to complete the required 1,000 hours of training to take the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology examination.
Conclusion
If you have not attended a career/college fair, SoCal ROC encourages high school students to ask their counselor and for adults to google nearby career fairs. There are so many opportunities to meet professionals in your industry and potential employers, do not miss out! It is a great way to gain insight, especially on how to get started.
If you are interested in finding more information on the programs offered at SoCal ROC, adults can call registration at 310-224-4200 or email [email protected]. High School students can call Rocio, our Career Guidance Specialist, at 310-224-4240 or email [email protected].