Graduate School Fair

 
Meet graduate school representatives!
October 28, 2009
11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Magnolia Ballroom
Sponsored by the University Career Center
52 participating programs
For a printable list of schools and programs offered, click here. (PDF)

Meet representatives from UGA at the Backpack-to-Briefcase Conference on October 23.

How to register:  Students do not have to pre-register for this event, but we do ask that you sign-in upon arrival.  A student registration table will be located at the entrance of the fair in Magnolia.  You will sign in and make a nametag.

What to expect:  We will have between 52 graduate programs available in Magnolia Ballroom to meet with students.  Program representatives are from all over the United States as well as some international locations.  Each program will have a table which will have information as well as at least one recruiter from the program. 

How can I get a list of participating programs?:  To make sure you have the most up-to-date information, visit the page for the event on Career Connection.  A variety of disciplines will be represented, including law, medicine, nursing, public policy, oceanography, education, business, arts and sciences, chiropractic, and much more. 

Who can attend:  All GCSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff who have an interest in pursuing graduate education may attend this event.  This event is particularly important for sophomores and juniors who need to be preparing for graduate schools.  Seniors who are making final decisions about where to apply or to attend should also attend this event.  A variety of programs, including Ph.D. programs will be present.  If you have questions, please contact the Career Center.

What to wear:  Since you will be meeting graduate school recruiters, we recommend business casual or professional business attire.  Dress neatly and conservatively in order to make the best impression.  Rule of thumb:  If you could wear the outfit to the beach, do not wear it to the career fair!

What to bring:  Resumes are welcome but not required.  Bringing copies of your resume can be useful if you want to have information about yourself to leave with the recruiters or you are looking for a graduate assistantship for next fall.  We recommend that at the very least you bring a professional looking portfolio/notebook to write down contact information, websites, or other information.  Many programs will have information for you to collect at the event.

The school that interests me the most will not be at the fair.  Should I still attend?:
Yes!  You are very likely to have the opportunity to talk to other schools that have your program.   Not only should you apply to more than one program, but you can use the event to gather information on what those types of programs look for in a candidate.  You may also discover that another school may be an ideal fit for you.

Will UGA be at the event?  No, but they will be here on October 23 for our Backpack-to-Briefcase Conference at 11 a.m. & Noon.  You can attend either session.  Please pre-register for the 11 a.m.  program or the 12 p.m.  program so that we know you will be attending.

How to prepare:  Review the list of participating programs so that you have a plan before arriving at the event.  Determine at least 5 - 10 programs you want to speak to at the event.  Then you should develop a quick, 30-second  introduction that you can use when meeting the recruiters.  You can also prepare questions you want to ask each program.   Remember to use this event as a way to gather information 

Sample Introductions (Remember to smile!)
"Hello.  My name is Emma Roberts.  I'm a sophomore majoring in
English.  I am planning to attend law school and would like to know
what I can do now to be a competitive applicant my senior year."

"Hello.  My name is John Smith.  I'm graduating this year with a
degree in Nursing.   I plan to work full-time but would like to begin
my master's degree in nursing.  What type of online programs or
classes do you offer to students who also work full-time?"

Sample Questions 
•  How can I apply for graduate or teaching assistantships?  Are there
    research opportunities available?
•  How many years of work experience do you require for students 
    applying to your MBA program?
•  How early should I apply? 
•  What type of careers do your graduates pursue?
•  What's the difference between a medical degree from your 
    institution and one in the United States?
•  What is the average test score for your program?  Which graduate
    admission test do your require?

Start the Graduate School
Search BEFORE your Senior Year

Your sophomore and junior years are
actually the best time to begin
researching programs.  By conducting
your research early, the application
process during your senior year will
be much easier.

To Do List:
Sophomore Year
• Research careers related to subjects
   that interest you.
• Survey the people you know to see
   what graduate degrees they have.  
   You'll be surprised to see that 
   many degrees lead to a variety of 
   options.

Junior Year
• Develop a list of schools with the 
   program you want.
• Determine what each school 
   requires. 
• Talk to faculty who studied a similar
   field.
• Get in touch with faculty at the schools
   that interest you.

Fall of Senior Year
• Update your resume.  You may also
   need a longer resume called a
   Curriculum Vitae.
• Provide your resume, program
   information, and other pertinent
   information to those writing your
   recommendations.
• Follow-up with faculty at the
   programs.  Schedule visits to
   discuss research or 
   assistantship opportunities.