WVU Career Services Center is set to host its first virtual Career Fair Week, Sept. 29 through Oct. 1. The three-part event series will provide an optimal environment for students and employers to connect virtually.
“Like WVU, many companies are working remotely or in a hybrid capacity to fight the coronavirus pandemic, so it was essential that we offer virtual options to accommodate both employers and students,” said David Durham, director for Career Services. “While career fairs are going to look a little different this semester, employers are still eager to connect with our students and offer them employment opportunities.”
Career Services typically hosts more than five pathway-specific career events each semester. However, to accommodate campus visitor restrictions and the shift to partial virtual learning at WVU, the career fairs were restructured virtually to help streamline the student experience and maximize opportunities for employers to connect with qualified candidates.
As a result, the Chambers College of Business and Economics Career Fair and the Health Careers and Internship Fair will be hosted in conjunction with the WVU Career and Internship Fair on Sept. 30. Additionally, the Agriculture and Natural Sciences Career and Internship Fair will take place on Sept. 29, and the STEM Career and Internship Fair will be held on Oct. 1.
“Streamlining our career fairs into just three events provides added value to employers as they will be able to connect with students from a wide range of disciplines at each event,” said Rachael Conrad, assistant director of Employer Relations. “This will also enable students to connect with companies they may not have previously had on their radar.”
The events will be hosted on Career Services’ current job search platform Handshake. Through the platform students will have the opportunity to chat one-on-one with employers in private sessions, attend information sessions, and potentially schedule virtual interviews.
Before the events, students will be provided with ample training materials on how to use the virtual platform, as well as guidance on how to work a virtual career fair. To ensure that students are prepared, Career Services will also host nine virtual Resume Reviews and Career Fair Prep events throughout the semester.
Career Services remains committed to helping students online through virtual appointments. To schedule an appointment with a career development specialist or for questions regarding virtual career fairs, email careerservices@mail.wvu.edu.