Career Fair VIP Tours

Jared MeitlerCareer and Employment Services

K-State All-University Career Fair

• 4000+ Students• 1000+

Employer Reps• 400+

Companies

Background Info• Began career in Higher

Ed in 2012• Open Option & First-

Year students• Attended the 32nd

Conference on the First-Year Experience

Desired Outcomes• We want freshman to:

– Become more comfortable/confident talking with employers

– Be exposed to a variety of employers

– Identify potential internship opportunities

– Gain an understanding of the atmosphere of a career fair

Student Communication• Outreach to students:– K-State First Program

Participants• FY Seminar and CAT

Community Instructors• GPS (First-Year Student

Mentoring Program)

Employer Communication• Employer Advisory Board

Meeting– July before late-Sept. Career

Fair• Follow-up via email• Corporate Partners 1st, then

companies that hire across majors

Employer Benefits• Initiate brand awareness • Showcase the company and its

opportunities• Educate prospective employees

about skills and experiences needed

• Some desire to hire young talent

Employer Concerns• What if there is a line

of students already?• Single representative

dedicated to the tours?• How much does it cost?

Student Concerns• What’s in it for me?• What should I wear?• What time do I need to be

there?• How long will it take?• Do I get free stuff?

Day of…• Brief (5 min) overview

of what to expect• Groups of 6-8• Pause & reflect

together after 2-3 stops

VIP Experience

• VIP Nametags

• Legends Room Access

Student Feedback

• Short survey at the end of the tour

• Asked to complete before they left

Because of the VIP Tour, I feel more comfortable in the atmosphere of the career

fair.2013 2014

I am more confident in visiting future career fairs because of the VIP Tour.2013 2014

I am likely to attend future career fairs because of the VIP Tour.

2013 2014

Student Feedback• Vast majority was very positive

– Time to debrief was beneficial

• Most common recommendations– Divide groups by college/major & visit industry specific

companies– Make the tours longer

Lessons Learned• Avoid scheduling tours

during peak times • Guides should be

engaging and prepared to coach

• Reach out to Faculty partners early

• Ask for help!

Questions?

• Grateful acknowledgments…– Mary Utter, Office of the First-Year

Experience, University of Pittsburgh– CES Corporate Partners and other

participating employers– K-State First– K-State CES Staff

Contact Info

Jared MeitlerCampus Engagement CoordinatorCareer and Employment Services785-532-6506jmeitler@ksu.edu