Career Groundbreakers Event Prep

Congrats! You’re already taking amazing steps in your career by attending a FindSpark Conference. 

Now, don’t take the experience for granted.

Read below for tips for how to make the most out of the content and connections you’ll get through the #FindSpark experience, before, during, and after!

Upload your resume: https://cgbfindspark.splashthat.com

Join the app for additional opportunities to network with speakers and fellow attendees: http://bit.ly/1ZtpIKH  (invitation code: groundbreaker)

Networking Bootcamp: Make Connections Online & Offline

Be sure to watch this workshop before attending the event!

What to Bring

• Plenty of business cards

• Copies of your resume

• Portfolio showcasing your work and experience (printed or digital…portfolios are not just for designers!)

• A charged mobile device. Be sure to Tweet and Instagram with the hashtag #FindSpark

• A charger for your device (we’ll have a Charging Station so you can power up)

• Read these articles so you can bring your A-game:

  • Creative Ways to Show Off Your Work at a Networking Event

  • 5 Places to Get Cool & Cheap Business Cards

  • Business Card Tips For Students & Recent Grads

  • Stand Out From the Crowd: How to Make a Lasting Impression

Before the Event

• Read about all the speakers that will be at the event: findspark.com/careerconference

• Update your Twitter, LinkedIn, and website using the helpful tips below

• Create custom resumes and cover letters to hand to your favorite employers and mentors

• Put together a nice business casual outfit (including comfortable shoes!)

• Create a personal website using Wix.com

• Read these articles to get you prepped & ready:

  • Are You Using the Right Body Language When You’re Networking?

  • 3 Conversation Tricks to Make People Remember You

  • Traits Of Successful Self-Employed People

  • Career Tips from Fashion Industry Experts

  • How to Use Social Media to Network: 6 Specific Examples

  • Be The Closer: How to Start and End Conversations at Networking Events

  • 10 Simple Tips to Improve Your Online Presence in 10 Minutes

  • +1: How To Stand Out in a Digital Age

  • Upgrade Your LinkedIn Profile with these 5 Quick Tips

  • How to: Resume and Cover Letter Writing

  • 3 Tips for Twitter Success at a Networking Event

During the Event

• Get social! Be sure to join the conversation using #FindSpark on Twitter and Instagram

• Go with the flow; make a tentative schedule of what companies and mentors to meet, but take the opportunity to get lost in unexpected conversations

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions – but don’t ask something you could have Googled the answer to

• Speak slowly, breathe deeply, and smile

• Meet company reps and mentors as well as other attendees

• Have a strong handshake

• Participate in our ice breakers throughout the day

After the Event

• Share your feedback through our surveys so we can continue to improve your experience

• Become a FindSpark Premium Member and sign up to attend future events!

• Stay in touch with speakers and employers, regardless of whether or not you landed a gig

• Set up at least one informational interview

• Follow up with everyone you met the next day

• Read these articles to keep the momentum going:

  • How to Get Employers to Respond to Your Emails

  • How to Connect With Someone You Didn’t Get to Meet at an Event

  • How to Follow Up with Employers in a Digital Age

  • The Importance of Follow Up: 6 Ways to Rock at It

  • Cover Letter Checklist

  • 15 Top Job Application Tips You Need to Know

  • Relationships Matter: How to Build & Maintain Your Network

  • How To Ace The Informational Interview

Directions to Venue

1. Take the train to 116th St. (Columbia University) stop.
2. Follow College Walk (116th St.) across Amsterdam Ave towards Morningside Dr.
3. After passing Jerome Greene Hall on the left, enter Wien courtyard through the gates.
4. Follow courtyard around to the right (walk the path past the building).
5. Faculty House will be the last building on the right.