WHAT TYPE OF CAREERS CAN I GET AT CAREER DAYS?
Design firms, large companies, small technology companies, and more will be here to recruit our students. They are looking to better understand us and the work we do, fill available positions, and to find attractive candidates that will compliment their work. These representatives may be looking for full time designers, part time support, contractors, researchers, or summer internships. Refer to the company profile section to see what each company is specifically looking for.
DO I REALLY NEED A PORTFOLIO OR WILL MY EFFERVESCENT PERSONALITY SUFFICE?
Portfolios are essential and can range from print to digital. If you have a digital portfolio, it will be your responsibility to bring a laptop or appropriate technology. For those who do not have formal portfolios, a collection of sketches, process books, reports, or sketchbooks may be enough to represent your skills. You should show up prepared to engage these interviewers in discussion about your work.
DO I REALLY HAVE TO GET DRESSED UP FOR AN INTERVIEW?
Designers typically dress in business or casual or semi-formal attire; not dockers and polo shirts—that’s the Tepper School. You should plan to dress one notch above the interviewer so that you appear important. A full suit may not be appropriate, however you should be clean, awake, and unwrinkled.
WHAT KIND OF QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK MY INTERVIEWER?
There is such a thing as a dumb question. You should at least pursue the company web page to become familiar with the basics before you enter an interview. Perhaps, you may even call the company ahead of time to inquire about some specifics. Try to keep all questions focused on projects and intellectual things and defer all inquiries for salary, benefits for a later interview. You should also ask questions about the company atmosphere, the types of clients they currently have, and definitely ask for feedback on your work.
WHO DRIVES THE INTERVIEW, ME OR THEM?
Be prepared to lead someone through your work. You should do most of the talking, but invite feedback, and comments from the interviewer along the way. Plan for breaks, pauses, and intermittent breathing. Remember it’s just as awkward for them to meet you for the first time and some interviewers may be very quiet. Tell a good story about your work, and be good company.
SHOULD I BRING PERSONAL REFERENCES, TROPHIES, AND EXPERT WITNESSES WITH ME?
Your resume should provide the basics; it should be complete, accurate, scannable, and typographically competent. Don’t overwhelm the interviewer with information; you could offer a reference list if they seem very interested in you and invite you out to their location for an on-site follow-up interview.