Job Fair Reflection

The employer that I spoke to at the Job Fair and decided to do my assignment on was CMHS, otherwise known as Children’s Mental Health Services. When I asked the woman at the booth what career paths were available for recent graduates in this organization, she told me that there were career opportunities for Child and Youth Counsellors, and Child and Family Therapists. Next I asked her what types of skills and qualifications new employees need to be successful in the job. I was expecting to hear more skills, but the woman simply states that employees are required to have either a College diploma, or preferably a Master’s Degree for Social Work. The following question was who in the company I could contact after the job fair to discuss what it

I had prepared myself by putting together a briefcase carrying my resumes and references, and I had written out the five questions we needed to ask in a notebook. I put together an appropriate interview outfit, and I made plans with a peer to go together to reduce anxiety and avoid getting lost. The actual job fair itself was extremely anxiety provoking. I felt very nervous about going up to booths at first because I felt out of place, but I told myself to put on a fake smile and act as confident as possible. This skill apparently worked well for me, because I was interviewed on the spot by the Salvation Army Lawson Ministries for a summer position. As soon as my five questions were answered, I left with some peers. I’m not sure if it was just because of my anxiety, but I personally felt like I didn’t learn much about career fairs from my experience. It felt very forced, almost as if the majority of the people we spoke to didn’t actually care to be there. It felt like we were wasting their time. That being said, I am glad that I had this experience because it challenged me to step out of my comfort zone in a more professional environment, which is also one of my goals for my co-op