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University of North Georgia (̨Íåswag) students who wonder if attending job fairs works can just ask recent graduate Ansley Israel.

"I got both my internship with Fidelity Information Services (FIS) and my current position from participating in the career fairs through ̨Íåswag," the August 2021 graduate said. "Having a job secured before graduation was a huge relief. Through networking, attending career fairs, and keeping my LinkedIn account current, I was able to secure my dream job prior to graduation without having to search at all."

Students can accomplish the same things in time for ̨Íåswag's upcoming jobs fair. The next one is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, in the Robinson Ballroom of the Student Center on the Gainesville Campus

Career Services specialist Lori Cleymans said Israel earned the internship and secured a job because she prepared for the job fairs. Cleymans said these results are typical among students who seek out Career Services for help with their resumes, cover letters, mock interviews and job searches.

"This process doesn't have to be scary," she said. "We can meet with students or alumni in person or virtually to help them."

Cleymans explained Israel discovered FIS planned to participate in the virtual job fair last spring and researched the technology company. They then conducted a mock interview to prepare Israel.

It worked. Israel secured a summer internship that fit her major of information systems. Israel completed the summer job remotely since it was during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"My internship helped me understand the interactions that occur within the workplace, gave me an idea of what my career could look like, and helped me determine what type of workplace would best suit me," Israel said. "My internship also helped me grow my network and allowed me to get real-life experience."

Before she completed her internship, Israel contacted Cleymans to update her resume with her new marketable skills. Her revised resume on LinkedIn garnered the attention of Frazier & Deeter LLC, who Israel met during a previous Handshake career fair. She now works as a process, risk and governance associate for the accounting and advisory firm in Atlanta.

Cleymans said preparation is key to landing a job or internship. She advises students and alumni to follow these three steps in advance of a job or career fair.

1. Research the companies that interest you.
2. Compose an up-to-date resume for recruiters.
3. Practice your interview skills.

To help students, Career Services has scheduled several in-person and virtual workshops throughout the fall semester. All will be complete in time for career fairs in October.

For more information, visit the Career Services website.