CREDIT: ERIKA FAUST
Last year's Career and Summer Job Fair was an opportunity for students to learn more about the companies they'll be working for in the future. Check out this year's Fair on February 6 in the J gyms.

Career Week is just a few short weeks away, and there's so much to do: write cover letters, update resumes, put together a professional outfit and work on that elevator pitch. If that all sounds a bit overwhelming, or even if you just want to make sure you're on the right track, Fanshawe's Career Services (D1063) can help you every step of the way.

Leading up to Career Week, which runs from February 4 to 8, Career Services staff will hold a series of workshops to help you prepare your resumes and cover letters, get ready for the Career Fair, polish your interview skills and start on your online job hunt — check the sidebar for dates and times.

Another resource to help you get ready for the Career Fair on February 6 is Resumania, which will be held on February 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Student Centre building across from the Oasis restaurant. It's your chance to have a Career Services staff member look over your resume and ensure you're marketing yourself in the best way possible. Bring your resume and cover letter as a hard copy or on a USB drive.

There is a lot to look forward to during this year's Career Week. It all begins on February 4 with a presentation by FM96 radio host and Fanshawe alumnus Sarah Burke from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in M3001. There will be a presentation titled "Exploring Entrepreneurship" by the Small Business Centre and Biz Inc. in D1060 from 12 to 1 p.m.

February 5 will feature two presentations: "Making Your Mark: How Volunteer Work Can Enhance Your Career" by Murray Faulkner, London's former chief of police, and Pillar Nonprofit in D1060 from 12 to 1 p.m., and "Careers in the Forces" with Sgt. Bill Hibbert from 12 to 1 p.m. in D1016.

February 6 is the highly anticipated 10th Annual Career and Summer Job Fair. It runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the J building gyms. "Literally there's something for everybody," said Christina Cook, Career Services representative at Fanshawe. A variety of industries will be represented by local and international companies, including Desjardins Financial Security, Lerners LLP, PepsiCo Foods Canada and Apple Inc. Look for profiles and positions posted on the Career Services website later this month. "That will help you target your cover letter and get your resume ready for the Career Fair," said Cook. For a full list of the employers who will be attending the Fair, check out www.fanshawec.ca/careerservices.

According to Cook, some of the companies will be doing prescreenings for interviews at the Fair, so "treat it as if you were going to an employment interview." Before heading to the Fair, work on a 60-second pitch that sums up who you are, your skills and why you'd be a great fit for the company. On the day of the Fair, dress professionally and skip the heavy perfumes and colognes. It's fine to attend the Fair with your friends, but if you're going to speak to an employer, Cook said it's best to approach employers on your own. "Look prepared, independent, ready to work and like you're taking it seriously."

On February 7, Kevin Weaver, chair of Fanshawe's School of Information Technology, will talk about "Social Media/E-Portfolio for Your Job Search" from 12 to 1 p.m. in T1003.

If you're interested in working in another country, you'll want to check out the Student Work Abroad Program (SWAP) presentation on February 8 from 12 to 1 p.m. in H3013. Police Foundations students might be interested in an Ontario Provincial Police presentation called "Careers in Policing" from 12 to 1 p.m. in D1060.

For more information and for updates on the Career Fair, check out Career Services on social media: facebook.com/FanshaweCS and on Twitter @FanshaweCS.

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Get ready for Career Week and the Career and Summer Job Fair with these workshops by the Career Services department:

Resumes and Cover Letters
January 24, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
January 30, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
February 12, 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Preparing for Career and Summer Job Fair
January 25, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
January 29, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
January 31, 12 to 1:30 p.m.

Interview Skills
February 1, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
February 11, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
February 15, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Internet Job Search
February 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Register in D1063 or by calling 519-452-4294 — hurry, because seating is limited!