Instructions For this assignment, you will write a 1-2 page single spaced report. Your report will describe an event, expo or location you have recently visited that someway pertains to your work, stu
DATE: November 11, 2024 TO: Dr. Varaidzo Nyamandi, Supervisor FROM: Prakash Giri, Computer Science & Engineering Student SUBJECT: Trip Report on Attending the College of Engineering Career Fair, October 12, 2024 SUMMARY On October 12, 2024, I attended the College of Engineering Career Fair at the University of Texas at Arlington, where over 200 companies gathered to connect with engineering students. My goal was to network with industry representatives, share my resume, a nd explore internship opportunities that align with my computer science studies. This experience not only allowed me to make valuable connections but also gave me a clearer understanding of the expectations and opportunities within different fields, from t ech to construction. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND The College of Engineering Career Fair is a major event each year, bringing in a wide variety of employers from public and private sectors, all eager to meet and recruit engineering talent. Preparing for the event, I spent time fine -tuning my resume and pr inted 15 copies to distribute. As this was my first experience at such a large -scale career fair, I aimed to explore possible career paths while gaining confidence in approaching potential employers. DISCUSSION When I arrived at the fair, the energy in the room was noticeable — students and company representatives alike were dressed formally, with everyone fully engaged in conversations.It was a bit overwhelming at first, with hundreds of students navigating from booth to booth, handing over resumes and discussing career options. Among the attending companies were organizations from the military, city government, IT, civil engineering, and finance sectors, each offering unique opportunities for students from variou s engineering fields. I was a bit nervous initially, especially seeing other students who seemed very prepared.
However, as I approached my first few booths and started conversations, I found myself getting more comfortable. I shared my resume with several representatives who o ffered feedback on how I might tailor it for specific roles. Many companies were open to discussing internships and encouraged me to apply, with some even mentioning they would follow up in the coming months. This process gave me a chance to ask questions, better understand industry expectations, and present myself professionally. FINDINGS OR RESULTS ACHIEVED By the end of the event, I had handed out all 15 copies of my resume and received several positive responses from company representatives. Some indicated they would reach out with potential internship information closer to summer, which was encouraging. Mo re importantly, I felt that my confidence in networking and discussing my skills had significantly improved. This experience clarified what companies look for in candidates and gave me insight into refining my resume and interview approach. CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATIONS The College of Engineering Career Fair proved to be a valuable opportunity to connect with professionals, distribute my resume, and practice networking in a real -world setting. For future career fairs, I would recommend students do some research on the com panies attending to better tailor their resumes and questions. Additionally, practicing a brief introduction or “elevator pitch” beforehand could help reduce any initial nervousness.
Overall, this experience has left me better prepared for future job searc hes and internship applications, and I look forward to seeing where these connections might lead.
