Finding the right career path can seem daunting, but the ideal entry job is often just one connection away. Helping students to make these connections and learn about their industries, job fairs play a crucial role developing professional prospects. These fairs are a chance to introduce yourself to future employers and build strong networks for sustained career growth.
With exciting opportunities across industries, students in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs programs have much to gain from career fairs, learning about the career paths best suited to them. From pre-fair preparation to follow-up phone calls, successful students know how to make the most of these fairs, leveraging this unique professional environment toward great personal growth.
Are you hoping to make the most of career fairs while in regulatory affairs training? Keep reading to find out how!
Students are Advised to Come Prepared to Job Fairs
Students are often tempted to show up to job fairs without preparing beforehand, but these events invariably reward research and preparation. Ahead of a career fair, students can compile key facts on the employers they are likely to encounter, listing points they might want to address with them. Since job fair conversations are typically brief and direct, this preparation helps attendees avoid meandering questions, thus making the most of their time with each presenter.
Students can also maximize these conversations by preparing set statements on their background and career ambitions. This can help them make a stronger impression and guide the conversation toward their specific interests. While preparing for these conversations, students are also advised to plan out their time to ensure they get to each presenter they wish to speak to.
Fairgoers Can Treat the Experience Like a Job Interview
Career fairs might not afford the one-on-one time of job interviews, but the experiences share some essential similarities. With great prospects in many industries, students in regulatory affairs training can maximize job fairs by approaching them as a kind of focused interview.
For instance, fair attendees should dress as if they are interviewing for a job – especially since these rapid-fire interactions require a strong first impression. Students are also advised to adopt a personal demeanor fit for an interview, maintaining a friendly but professional tone throughout.
This interview approach helps potential employers see conference attendees in the most professional light. Adding to this impression, students can take notes, exchange business cards and even give presenters a follow-up phone call – all of which helps cements a positive first impression.
Networking is Key During Regulatory Affairs Training
While students might be tempted to rush through conversations to get to every presenter, they should be mindful that fairs are, above all, an opportunity to network and socialize. Making the best impression often means taking one’s time with a presenter and building a personal connection. These conversations are an opportunity to display the industry passion and knowledge that will help you to build strong professional contacts.
Naturally, employers are the main draw at job fairs, but students can also prepare to network with attendees and organizers. Students can make the most of time spent in line by striking up conversations with peers, expanding their network in as many directions as possible. At TIPT’s biannual job fairs, for instance, students in our regulatory affairs courses have the opportunity to forge strong professional networks that include employers, students and even alumni.
Are you interested in a Regulatory Affairs Diploma program with top-tier career services?
Contact the Toronto Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology for more information.