Campus Club ambassador Nathan Kujawa shares his top tips for standing out at career fairs and acing actuarial internship interviews.
Hi all, today I'll share some of the tips I have to help you succeed in preparing for a job fair and interview.
My most important piece of advice is to never be afraid to ask. Whether you're at the career fair booth of a company you're interested in, or sitting in your cubicle at your internship, it never hurts to be curious.
If you want to learn more about what the interviewer likes about their current position, ask a question!
My most important piece of advice is to never be afraid to ask.
Prepare for the Career Fair
Preparation beforehand is the difference maker. I'd highly recommend having an up-to-date resume reviewed by a professional, whether that's a professor or a career services person at your university, whatever is most comfortable for you.
Preparation beforehand is the difference maker.
Then, make sure you create a list of the companies you're most interested in, do some basic research on those companies, and jot notes down in your padfolio. This will allow you to come off as well-read when you talk to the company at their booth.
Have a good handshake and bring copies of your resume, so they have something to jot notes on.
Ace Your Interview Prep
For interviews, once again, make sure you're well prepared. Do your research. Know where your internship may be, what the company does, and whether they have any core competencies you feel you demonstrate.
Additionally, prepare some questions to ask the interviewers, whether about company culture or information regarding the internship. You need three to five questions ready to go.
If you do not engage and ask questions, it will come off as if you are disinterested and do not care about the position.
If you do not engage and ask questions, it will come off as if you are disinterested and do not care about the position.
Final Thoughts
Those are my tips for you today. Overall, just make sure you're confident, smiling, and prepared beforehand.
About the Author
Nathan Kujawa is a graduating senior at Drake University, where he studies actuarial science and accounting. After graduation, he will join Athene full-time. Nathan currently serves as VP of Gamma Iota Sigma, the insurance and risk management professional business fraternity at Drake. Using Coaching Actuaries resources, he passed Exams FM, P, SRM, and FAM, and earned an internship with Athene along the way. Nathan is the oldest of four siblings and has a passion for visiting Major League Baseball stadiums.