Quicklinks
Success Stories
Hillary Rodgers
SPIA: May 2011
IT Consultant at CGI
During my time as a student at UGA, I heard many people say wonderful things about the Career Fair so I wanted to check it out for myself. I went to the fair and ended up meeting some great representatives from a few different companies. As a result, I was offered an on-campus interview with CGI and it turned out to be a great experience. About two months later they made me an offer for my first post-graduate job. In the spring of 2012 I got the opportunity to represent CGI at the UGA Career Fair, and it could not have felt better for things to come full circle! I have represented CGI at many different Career Fairs since then, and I hope to help other students find as great an opportunity as mine.
The hardest thing to adapt to in the professional world has been understanding the finality of situations. When you are still in school, you often have the opportunity to easily fix things that you have done wrong. No mistake you make will jeopardize anyone other than yourself. In the professional world, however, you always need a back-up plan, and never make the mistake of being too proud to apologize or admit you were at fault. At some point, you will make a mistake that has a huge impact on someone else and you will need to compensate for that.
The best tip I have for students who are planning to attend a Career Fair is to dress in a way that would impress a representative of any top company. Even if you are just browsing and do not know exactly what you want to do, be prepared to come across it accidentally. The same goes for your resume. Even if you do not know exactly what you are looking for, have a resume that looks professional and has been reviewed by either the Career Center or a professor. Be sure you don’t miss out on a great opportunity just because of the way you present yourself.
Finally, as far as general advice for current UGA students who are beginning their job/internship search goes, do not give up! Sometimes it takes time to find a job, regardless of how qualified you are. Just keep pushing for what you want, and do not be afraid to take on a job that may seem too easy or too hard if it puts you in the right direction. Opportunities come to those who get out there and look for them.