Gauri Tawde MBA’21 conducted her research, prepared her responses, and strategized how she would converse with employers.
The challenge? Make an impression and build rapport with hiring managers. And, do so at a career fair that isn’t in person.
Last week, Babson College graduate students and over 40 employer representatives met virtually. And, more than 460 messenger chats took place during the fair, allowing students the chance to apply for and undergo preliminary interviews for open jobs and internships.
“It was fascinating to me, an amazing experience, especially in these trying times when unemployment is a big issue already in the world,” Tawde said.
‘It’s All About Hope’
When Babson announced its shift to online classes, senior director Cheri Paulson P’19 and the Graduate Center for Career Development made a brisk decision to host the planned career fair virtually.
With just two weeks to prepare, the department partnered with recruiting platform Brazen to stage the career fair. The development process took “countless hours,” Paulson said, and also involved training sessions for students, employers, and staff.
Prominent companies attended the fair, including PA Consulting, Examity, and Ocean Spray Inc., demonstrating that there is now and will be a need for highly skilled and entrepreneurial workers, especially in the fields of online and high-tech companies and global corporations.
Paulson said staying optimistic is how students and businesses will ride out the coming weeks and months.
“If we didn’t flip our regular career fair into a virtual career fair, what would that say to the students?” she said. “They should not be giving up. These companies are coming to say ‘we’re showing up because we have openings that we want to fill and we want Babson talent.’ ”
Moving Through Uncertainty
With more than 120 students participating, Tawde identified a need to stand out, and found success by way of preparation.
She ended up interviewing with Boston Sports Academy and Wex Inc., among other companies, from her home in India.
In a time of uncertainty and economic challenges, Tawde found solace in making connections.
“It creates a sense of belonging, it gives a sense of community,” she said.
Posted in Adapting, Together, Campus & Community
