Career fairs are a great way to introduce students to your company and careers, but the connections don't have to end when the event is over. With a few simple steps, you can use Compass to keep students engaged, create opportunities for them to learn more, and build relationships with your future workforce.
Here are five tips to keep connecting:
1. Update your Compass profile before the event.
Take a few minutes to review your employer profile and add any details or links that help students get to know your company. Then, consider adding job shadows and other work-based learning (WBL) opportunities. These are free to share in Compass and give interested students a chance to explore your careers firsthand, meet your team, and discover whether your company might be a good fit for their future.
Allow students to apply for job shadows by going to Profile >> Update the Employer Connections Database” and checking Job Shadow. To create a new work-based learning opportunity, go to Opportunities >> Work-Based Learning Opportunities >> Create New.
2. Make it easy for students to connect with you.
Consider upgrading your Golden Path employer membership to access additional ways to showcase your company and careers. Paid memberships offer features like Career Profiles, shareable links and QR codes, and customizable Canva marketing templates. Use these resources at your booth, on your website, or in social posts to help students explore your opportunities.
3. Encourage students to find you in Compass.
During the career fair, remind students that they can find your company in Compass after the event. They can explore your Career Profiles, favorite your content, request a job shadow, apply for WBL opportunities, or reach out to connect. It's an easy way to keep the conversation going, with your student connections managed in one place.
4. See what's getting students' attention.
With a paid employer membership, you can use the new Compass Dashboard to better understand student engagement. Explore student views, favorites, opportunity clicks, and even the schools and classes teaching skills related to your careers. These insights can help you identify where students are showing interest and where to focus your future outreach.
5. Follow up and build lasting connections.
After the event, watch for job shadow requests, WBL applications, and student connection requests in Compass. Respond to interested students and consider ways to keep them engaged through additional experiences or future opportunities. For students who may be a good fit for your company, that could eventually include internships or tuition assistance programs after high school.
Coming soon: easier career event connections
We're also making it easier for schools and employers to connect around career events in Compass. New event management features will allow schools to invite employers to upcoming events, and employers will be able to register, highlight the careers they're promoting, and help students discover participating companies before the event. It's another way to turn career fair introductions into meaningful, ongoing connections.
Upcoming webinars: Get your work-based learning questions answered
Finally, are you interested in connecting with students through work-based learning, but not sure what makes sense for your organization or how to get started? Two upcoming virtual working sessions will give employers practical, individualized help identifying opportunities, working through questions or barriers, using Compass, and creating experiences that fit their workforce needs and capacity.
Hosted by Golden Path Solutions, the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, Moorhead Area Public Schools, and Cass County Career and Technical Education Center, the sessions are part of a region-wide effort to expand work-based learning. Bring your questions and get hands-on help with your next steps. Register for one of two sessions: 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 or 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Need help getting started or making the most of Compass? Reach out to our team. We're here to help you build your future workforce!