STM Career Fair

The Science, Technology and Math Career fair was a wonderful addition this year. I had attended the regular Career Fair in years prior, and while there were a few participating companies who were looking for Computer Science students or students with specific technical skills, the majority of companies were seeking employees with other skill sets.

The STM Career fair was a vast improvement, not only because of the inclusion of several local tech companies (most of which I was interested in working for) but because of the fact that they had developers representing those companies. Previously, there would only be HR representatives, or individuals with limited technical understanding of the companies. I would merely get handed a pamphlet or told to look online. None of the non-technical individuals could answer questions regarding the companies in a technical manner, ask me relevant questions, or tell me in-depth about the positions they were hiring for.

Since developers were present at all of the booths I stopped at, I was able to have relaxed conversations regarding the company, what they wanted, what they did, why they enjoyed it, etc. It wasn't a one-sided or stilted exchange of superfluous pleasantries, it was an actual conversation between knowledgeable individuals. That really made all the difference for me.

The one thing I would hope for the future is that they bring more companies in and that teachers encourage their students to attend. Career fairs can be an invaluable way to get your foot in the door at a company you're interested in working at.