There are jobs for English/CW majors at campus career fairs. It helps to know what you’re looking for, though.
ONE option (there are others — we’ll get to those in future posts) that English/CW majors should know about: management development programs. Sometimes called “leadership development” or “rotational programs,” these opportunities involve a one- to two-year commitment to a mid-size to large company. During that time, the new employee rotates through several different departments, learning how different parts of the company operate, trying out different skill sets, and and getting the big picture that will eventually help him or her flourish in a particular role. Here’s a post about one English alumna who is in the midst of such a program at Cintas.
If all goes well, at the end of the program, the employee is hired into a permanent managerial role in whichever part of the company is the best fit.
Companies that have programs like this are generally committed to training and mentoring their workforce, so these positions can be the beginning of a long relationship with a company that will nurture one’s talents. These employers are looking for ambitious applicants with a broad range of transferable skills (like English/CW majors!), who learn and adapt quickly, and who value the opportunity to work for an organization that will take seriously their professional growth.
If these kinds of positions sound appealing to you (they’re not for everyone — and that’s okay!), here are some of the companies coming to the Business Career Fair (Sept. 17 and 18) that you should consider talking to. The date next to the company name indicates which day of the fair they’ll be there.
- Abercrombie and Fitch (9/18)
- Allstate (9/17)
- Anheuser-Busch (9/18)
- AT&T (9/18)
- Cintas (9/18)
- Dayton Freight (9/17)
- Edward Jones (9/17)
- Ion Group (9/18)
- Morningstar (9/17)
- Robert Bosch Tool Corporation (9/18)
To land one of these positions, your resume should emphasize your teamwork and leadership skills, your communication ability, and your work ethic. It’s a good idea to research the companies you want to apply to, so that you can demonstrate your interest through a meaningful conversation with the recruiters at the career fair. Think of relevant questions that can’t be answered by reviewing their job descriptions or website. If the company website indicates that they favor business, marketing, human resources, or management majors, don’t be scared off — just be prepared to talk about your experience involving the specific skills and personal qualities they’re seeking. Feel free to make an appointment with Kirstin Wilcox, Director of Internships, to work on your resume and “pitch” (kwilcox@illinois.edu; 333-4346).