Mock career fair helps student prepare for real thing

In an effort to help prepare new BCM students for their first BCM Career Fair, Daphene Koch, associate professor of building construction management, and Dawn Lamb, student and industry outreach specialist, partnered to host a Mock Career Fair.

They conducted the event as part of the BCM 10001 (Introduction to Construction). More than half of the class is first-year students. Another 25 percent are students pursuing a BCM minor to complement their majors in interior design, computer graphics technology or mechanical engineering technology.

The class meets in a large IMPACT classroom, which is designed for active learning in large groups. Company representatives were invited to set up a table in the room, just like at a career fair, and students were encouraged to interact with them. Students were graded by showing up dressed for success and having an up-to-date resume.

Six companies participated in the event: GE Johnson, Norcon, Clayco, Mass Electric, Kiewit, and Black and Veatch. The potential employers were asked to give each student one comment or suggestion. At least one company representative was new to the interviewing process, too, so he said he appreciated the practice as well. 

The students also appreciated the opportunity to practice before the actual event, giving them extra confidence for the real thing.

If your company is interested in helping with the Spring 2014 mock career fair, contact Dawn at dflamb@purdue.edu. The event will be Feb. 13 from noon to 1:15 p.m. in HICKS B848 (the day before the BCM Spring Career Fair).

People in this Article: