April 3, 2008
Student Frequently Asked Questions
What is OLAPC?
When and where is the First Avenue Career & Graduate School Fair?
Who is going to be there?
Do I need to show up exactly at 9am?
What should I wear?
What should I bring?
Is there any way I can prepare?
What types of positions are at the Fair?
Will there only be “Oregon companies” at the fair?
How do I register for the Fair?
When is the deadline for registering?
How much does it cost to attend?
Is this only for Seniors?
Why should I go if my major is not represented?
What should I say to employers?
What if the employer says the organization is not currently hiring?
Should I send a Thank You note?
Where can I find the job descriptions for the opportunities offered
at the job fair?
Will there be food and drinks available?
How do I get there?
OLAPC stands for Oregon Liberal Arts Placement Consortium. It is a cooperative organization founded in 1989 to enhance the career services offered by member institutions. The primary goal of the organization is to organize an annual career and graduate school fair.
When and where is the First Avenue Career & Graduate School Fair?
The fair is on Thursday, April 3, 2008 from 9:00am – 1:00pm in the Chiles Centers at the University of Portland. During this time students have an opportunity to meet with organization and graduate school representatives about summer jobs, internships, full-time and graduate school opportunities.
Then from 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm some organizations elect to interview students. You can set up interviews in the morning between 9:00am and 1:00pm during the fair.
Click here to view the list of positions and attending organizations. This site updates frequently so check back often.
Do I need to show up exactly at 9am?
No. The fair begins at 9:00am but is ongoing until 1:00pm.
You want to make a strong first impression. Employers are impressed by professional attire: collared shirts, ties, slacks, dress shoes, sport coats, suits, sweaters, etc.
Bring plenty of resumes, as well as materials for taking notes as needed. Make sure your resumes are copied onto resume paper. Also, bring a folder with your resumes in it. That way they'll stay fresh and any paperwork you collect from recruiters won't get mangled.
Is there any way I can prepare?
Yes. Look at the list of organizations that are attending and see which ones interest you. Go to these companies’ websites and learn about them. That way when you speak with the recruiter you can impress them with your knowledge. Since most students do not research organizations, you will stand out in their mind as someone who is a serious candidate. Also, have some questions prepared to ask them. Your objective is to have an intelligent, seamless, interesting conversation with the employer.
Another way to prepare is to think about how you’re going to sell yourself. Think about your strengths and past experiences. Practice a 30-45 second speech that explains who you are, why you’re interested in the organization and what you can do for them.
Remember, employers are much more interested in what you can do for them as opposed to what they are going to do for you. Scroll down and look under Additional Resources on the following link for more information on how to prepare: http://www.olapcfirstavenue.org/students and visit your campus Career Services or Career Development office for resume critiques and additional resources to assist you in preparing for the fair.
What types of positions are at the Fair?
Full-time, entry-level positions, internships, and summer jobs. Graduate and professional schools also attend to publicize their programs.
Will there only be “Oregon companies” at the fair?
No. Many companies are nationwide, some worldwide. If you are interested in different locations, talk to the recruiter at the fair and find out how to learn about such opportunities.
How do I register for the Fair?
Go to http://www.olapcfirstavenue.org/student-reg/ to register online or go to your Career Services Office. Students may register for $5 by cash or check at their campus career office, $6 via credit card on this website, or for $10 at the door on the day of the fair. If you are registering in the campus career center, you can download the registration form from the First Avenue website at http://www.olapcfirstavenue.org/students. Registration and student ID proving attendance at an OLAPC school is needed to enter the fair.
When is the deadline for registering?
Tuesday April 1st is the deadline for Advance Registration. ($5.00 in your Career Services office and $6.00 online at http://www.olapcfirstavenue.org/student-reg You can also register at the Fair. However it costs $10.00 to register at the Fair so you’re better off registering in advance.
How much does it cost to attend?
$5.00 if you pay in advance in your Office of Career Services. $6.00 if you pay online and $10.00 if you pay at the door.
Is this Fair only for Seniors?
No. All undergraduate students are invited as well as alumni of the OLAPC schools that graduated within the past ten years. However, graduate students and those a part of professional schools at these colleges are not permitted to attend. Please check with your department or career office for other options.
Why should I go if my major is not represented?
Two reasons. 1. This is a Liberal Arts Job fair. Most of these recruiters are looking to hire students from any discipline. 2. Even if you are looking for something completely different than what a recruiter is offering, you can still get connected to the person with hiring power for the department you’re interested in.
What should I say to employers?
Introduce yourself and tell them why you are interested in their organization. Have questions prepared beforehand that prove to them you have taken the time to research their organization.
What if the employer says the organization is not currently hiring?
Find out when they will be hiring. Keep in touch with the organization through emails or even invite the recruiter to coffee/lunch at some point after the Fair. Let him or her know that you are very interested in working with them so when an opportunity arises you will have an advantage over the other candidates.
Should I send a Thank You note?
Absolutely. Be sure to send thank-you and follow-up notes as needed. Such notes remind employers of your interest and enthusiasm and help them to keep you in mind. Be sure to attend any follow-up programs offered by your career center, while using the assistance of these staff in pursuing your career options.
Where can I find the job descriptions for the opportunities offered at the job fair?
http://www.olapcfirstavenue.org/orglist
To view comparable opportunities available at companies not attending the fair, go to www.careercenterjobs.org, which is maintained collaboratively by a select group of Oregon's small liberal arts colleges and universities. The site is available to students and employers free of charge.
Will there be food and drinks available?
All registered participants receive a coupon for a free beverage at the fair. The Pilot House is a dining area on campus offering a variety of foods to-go, and is just a 5 minute walk from the Chiles Center. There are also many food establishments within a mile of campus.
See your Career Center to find out about transportation. If you are driving yourself, use this link to find your way.