ASC Humanities Career Exploration Fair Know Before You Go Guide
Use this Resource Guide to prepare for the ASC Humanities Career Exploration Fair on March 5th from 11AM-2PM in the Ohio Union’s Great Hall Meeting Room.
The event provides a unique opportunity for students in humanities majors to connect with local employers, learn more about what those employers are looking for when hiring, and talk about how the skills developed in humanities classes can support post-college work.
If you have any questions, please contact Undergraduate Studies Program Manager Elizabeth Falter.
The information on this page is also available in the printable Word document below.
Know Before You Go
DO: Explore the Employers Participating BEFORE the Fair
Do some research on employers you’re interested in! You could visit organization websites, look at their mission and/or values statements, or search for recent news articles about the company. Doing this research means that you'll already know some background and can use the time at the fair to ask more specific questions. Visit the event’s Handshake webpage at go.osu.edu/humcareerfair to explore participating employers!
DO: Develop an Elevator Pitch about Your Unique Skills
Consider attending Elevator Pitch Office Hours on February 11 from 11AM to 1PM in 311 Denney Hall to craft a perfect intro! If you can’t make it, think of a simple way to introduce yourself and your career interests. Think about what brought you to the humanities and what skills you’ve gained throughout that you find most valuable.
DO: Dress Confidently
We recommend business casual, a.k.a. “informal professional” attire. You could wear a polo, dress shirt, or blouse with khakis, dress pants, or even jeans! A suit may be too professional, while a t-shirt and shorts may be too casual. No matter what, make a great first impression by dressing in an outfit that you feel confident in professionally! Visit the Monda Student Resource Center’s Reid Family Career Closet in the Youkin Success Center for access to free professional clothing.
DO: Come to the Event Regardless of How Prepared You Feel!
Regardless of how prepared you are, the employers at this event are ready for you! They know you are a student and that you are at the fair to learn how your humanities degree can prepare you for the job market. So don’t be afraid to come even if you feel underprepared because these employers are ready for you and your questions, no matter what they are!
DO: Interact with as Many Employers as Possible
Keep an open mind by speaking to as many employers as you can, even if they don’t seem like a natural fit for your current skill set! You may be surprised with how your experience and interest may fit an organization!
DO: Ask Questions & Take Notes
Ask questions! This fair is meant to help you learn more about applying to jobs as a humanities major instead of being directly recruited. As such, consider asking employers why humanities skills are important to their company and/or field, what the employer is looking for when hiring humanities majors, and how to highlight skills developed in humanities coursework on your resume and at interviews.
DO: Listen to Ongoing Conversations Before Starting One Yourself
Entering an ongoing conversation can be hard! Before you introduce yourself and jump into a conversation, it can be helpful to listen to the conversations happening at the table or around you. Perhaps a student asks a question you had, or perhaps you may build off of what they say.
DO: Wrap Up the Conversation Well
Make sure to thank the employer for their time and the opportunity both at the fair and after. Don’t be afraid to ask for their contact information so that you may send them a thank you email and a LinkedIn connection request! These folks are here to meet you!