September 17, 2020

Mizzou Engineering Virtual Career Fair

Students aren’t the only ones preparing for the Mizzou Engineering Virtual Career Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Employers are as well.

More than 140 organizations have registered to recruit Mizzou Engineering students and alumni from all backgrounds and majors. In fact, many of these companies are currently searching profiles and resumes of those who have already registered ahead of the event.

Using the platform CareerEco, employers can search candidates before, during and after the event. They can also set up their own chat schedules during the event, and privately chat with candidates, according to Nicole Fickel, part of the Student Services team at the College of Engineering.

“Many colleges and universities across the country use this platform. It’s very flexible and meets our students’ and employers’ needs,” Fickel said.

One of those employers, Hitachi ABB Power Grids, is excited to participate. Meghan Goodman, senior employment brand manager for Hitachi ABB Power Grids, stated the company provided resume review and mock interview services for Mizzou students prior to the fair.

“We have long partnered with Mizzou (to recruit students) as we have a large manufacturing site in Jefferson City, Missouri,” Goodman said. “We look for students who have a global mindset – as we operate in over 90 countries. The scale of our projects span continents and we solve complex challenges with our technology. We believe Mizzou students fit this profile!”

Tips for Virtual Interviews

Ian Simpson, head of sales for HYR Global Source, Inc. based in Overland Park, Kansas, recruits Mizzou students regularly via in-person and virtual events. He suggests to have your resume ready to send to recruiters before the event takes place.

“If someone likes you and is looking to interview you right away, being prepared is a huge first step to a good first impression,” Simpson said.

Goodman agrees to prepare for a virtual career fair similarly to an in-person event.

“Treat a virtual career fair like you would an in-person one,” Goodman said. “This means researching organizations, having questions prepared for the organization, and dressing for success while also being mindful of your virtual background and environment.”

Ann Mulligan, talent and employee relations leader with Spartan Light Metal Products based in St. Louis, adds to be aware of time spent with an employer in the virtual environment. She also recommends having a thorough, yet time-friendly pitch planned for employers.

“It is much harder for employers to interact with the same volume of students as we may have before at in-person career fairs,” Mulligan said. “Having a respectful (time) balance is a great way to stand out.”

All three employers also want to know about a potential employee’s interests outside the classroom or away from the office. These can include involvement in clubs and organizations, favorite projects, or activities that helped improve your skillset.

Hitachi ABB Power Grids, PayneCrest Electric, Inc. and Tradebot are sponsors of the Fall 2020 Virtual Career Fair. Alberici Constructors, Inc., Hitachi ABB Power Grids, Honeywell, HYR Global Source Inc., Spartan Light Metal Products and Tradebot conducted resume reviews and mock interviews to prepare students for the fair.