Skip to main content
Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering
Civil and Construction Engineering
Donate

Career Fair Expectations and FAQs

The CCE Department career fairs are some of the very best opportunities for career placement available to students. The following are ways to prepare for and excel at building relationships, being professional, and landing a job/internship through the career fair and other professional networking events. You should review materials created by BYU's Career Services. Their staff is awesome and extremely helpful.

  1. Professionalism. Construction companies who come to the Career Fair tend to be large, expert, and extremely professional. They expect you to be professional as well.
    1. Look the part. Clean, collared shirts, dress pants, and nice shoes. Be modest, clean shaven, etc. (BYU dress and grooming). It’s expected, not only at the fair, but the entire week as professionals wander campus and visit classes. Anything else will surprise them and likely result in fewer connections.
    2. Speak the language. Study the companies before speaking to them. Know something about where they build, what sectors they target, etc. If you really want to shine, check their mission/vision/values. Use language that connects with them – don’t fake it but align your language.
    3. Be prepared. Study, bring a printed resume, and be ready to share it virtually. Block out time as you may find they are willing to interview you immediately. Offers may be made so be ready to discuss what you are hoping for. They want to hear about your goals. You don’t need to rush into anything, but be ready.
  2. Resume
    1. Key Concepts. Check out these techniques from Career Services.
      1. Create Parallel bullets starting with a verb in the past tense.
      2. Use White Space productively. Don’t be afraid of some white space.
      3. Remove Pictures or other identifying characteristics.
    2. Examples from the Career Services website.
  3. What to expect
    1. Pictures
      1 of 2
      CareerFairPicture1.jpg
      2 of 2
      CareerFairPicture2.jpg
      1 of 2

    2. Roll Play

      Scenario: A CM student approaches a recruiter B66 Construction at the CCE Career Fair after doing some light research on B66 beforehand and is interested in an internship with them next Spring.

      Student: Hi, my name is _____. I'm a CM student here at BYU. I anticipate graduating in ____. I researched B66 Construction quite a bit and wanted to talk to you about an internship.

      Recruiter: Nice to meet you. What piqued your interest about us?

      Student: Well, I was talking to a friend that works for you, who told me all about the commercial projects you are developing, including the Rocky Mountain Power Headquarters. Then I looked more into your projects and noticed that you did the new Daybreak Community Center which is near my aunt and uncle’s home, and the new Salt Lake Bees stadium which I thought was awesome. My friend also couldn’t stop telling me about the great company culture and values.

      Recruiter: That’s awesome! B66 really values a positive culture as well as the wide variety of projects. Tell me, what ‘s your work experience? Do you have a resume? What’s driving you to get into construction?

      Student: Here’s a copy of my resume I printed out. As you can see, last summer’s internship was great where I worked as a Project Engineer for Snell Contracting. I really loved being on the job sites and just getting my hands dirty.

      Recruiter: Amazing experience! I can tell you have that passion for the industry. Now, what are you hoping to get out of an internship with B66?

      Student: I'd like to gain more hands-on experience with the day-to-day responsibilities of a project engineer. I want to learn and learn to work even harder than before. I also want stability and growth for myself and my family in the long run, and I know your company can provide that.

      Recruiter: Great! Well, if you are available sometime this week, why don’t you sign up on this spreadsheet for an interview slot, and we’ll get that set up! Want a new B66 hat? Do you have any questions for me?

      Student: Sure. Actually, I would love to know what project you are working on and what role you have at B66.

      Recruiter: I’m a senior estimator so I work on many projects. I just finished the bid on a new hospital in Salt Lake County.

      Student: That’s really cool. Thank you for taking the time out of your day. It was great to meet you. And thanks for the hat.

      Recruiter: Absolutely. It was nice meeting you too.

  4. FAQ
    1. I think I know what I want to do in my future, should I still go to the fair?
      Yes, the career fair allows you to expand your network and meet people in the industry that you will probably interact with in your future job. You may meet or interact with someone or a company you’ve never heard of or considered but really like. It’s great practice and helps our program look good.
    2. I’m just beginning the CM Program, should I attend the career fair?
      Yes, early exposure can set you apart from the rest of the younger students in the program. This is your way to get your foot in the door with almost no effort, other than showing up at the career fair. Lots of freshmen and sophomores walk out of the career fair with internships just because they showed up.
    3. I’m nervous because I don’t have any construction experience.
      That’s totally okay. Companies understand that students come from all different walks of life and different experiences. They are there to hire you for an internship, where you will be taught, guided, and directed on things relevant to the construction industry.
    4. What experiences should I make sure I show on my resume?
      Include experiences that show your skills relevant to the construction industry or the job you want. This can be internships, construction employment, general labor, school projects, classes, leadership, service, technical skills, food service, etc. Visit with a career advisor or use VMock, an AI resume tool, to help with your resume.
    5. I’ve never done this before, what should I expect?
      Expect to talk to recruiters, introduce yourself, give a brief overview of your background/interests, give an elevator pitch about yourself, answer questions about your resume, talk about your goals, and ask questions about the company/opportunities. Some companies may want to interview you, so expect to sign up for those that day and/or week. Expect to dress professionally and present yourself professionally. Do this for the fair, classes where they visit, and info sessions in the evenings.
    6. Should I include my missionary service on my resume?
      Yes! Treat it like any other experience. Focus on leadership skills, transferable skills, and accomplishments rather than the religious aspects of it. It should go under the Volunteer Experience section. Highlight a language if you learned one, but don’t overestimate your familiarity with industry lingo.
    7. It’s over, now what should I do?
      Follow up with gratitude no matter the outcome. Reach out via email or text to say thank you, ask a follow question if needed, etc. Stay on their radar and let them know your interaction with them mattered to you.