More than 50 companies attended Notre Dame’s Winter Career fair in hopes of recruiting potential future employees and interns on Wednesday.
“We are looking for students who show leadership ability, as well as something that makes them stand apart on their resume, whether it be something like studying abroad or being an athlete, something that shows that they are able to balance and manage their time well,” Megan Bruso, a recruiter for M&T Bank, said.
Jasmine Shell, a recruiter for Ernst & Young, said it helps to know about the company and its mission, as well as know some information about what programs the company offers. This alone would be enough to spark an interesting conversation and helps recruiters to see students’ interest in the firm, she said.
”Instead of having a boring one way conversation where the recruiter is telling them everything they have to offer, but saying I know you have this or that, shows that they did their research and that they are interested in our passion and really want to work for our company,” Shell said.
Sophomore Kay Xu said she utilized GoIrish to find information about which positions were available on firms such as Ernst & Young and later followed through with research on each company’s website.
Recruiters encouraged underclassman to not be afraid to seek out information and connect with them even if they are not yet able to meet the firms’ requirements this semester.
“It doesn’t hurt to at least put yourself out there, to learn more about the company. Do some research on the company so that you can ask good questions, and just make it an efficient conversation so that you get your name out there and get practice for future career fairs. You can get a lot out of it even if its just a learning experience,” Alexa Shaw, financial analyst for Baxter International, said
Sophomore Haoqi Jin said she followed this advice last semester. She definitely feels increased comfort talking to recruiters since the last career fair, she said.
“This semester has been easier, and I’m more comfortable talking to different people since I know the industry than I did last semester.” Jin said. “Also, since we are closer to declaring our majors, I’m more sure about what I want to do, so I have more confidence in terms of my career plan when I talk to the recruiters.”
Comparing students from Notre Dame to scholars at other universities, Shaw said she characterized Notre Dame students as well rounded.
“They are hard working students, but they are also involved in the community, they volunteer, they’re involved in their dorms, and so I’ve always thought that sets Notre Dame students apart,” Shaw said.
