For many students, finding a job after graduation can feel like a mystery. How do employers recruit? What are they actually looking for? And how do you make yourself stand out before you’ve even finished your degree?
The Bundoora Employability Expo on Wednesday 12 August is designed to answer those questions – and put you face-to-face with the people who could shape your future career.
More than 50 employers will be at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus to meet La Trobe students, share opportunities and offer insights into their organisations. Whether you’re looking for a placement, graduate program, casual work or simply exploring what’s out there, the Expo is one of the easiest ways to start building professional connections while you’re still studying.
For all students at all stages
The biggest misconception about careers expos is that they’re only for final-year students looking for a job.
In reality, they’re valuable no matter where you are in your degree.
For first-year students, it’s an opportunity to explore different industries and learn what employers value. Mid-degree students can start building networks, ask about placements and gain insights that will help shape future decisions. Final-year students can have meaningful conversations about graduate opportunities and recruitment timelines.
The earlier you start engaging with employers, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to apply.
Meet the people behind the job ads
Online job descriptions only tell part of the story.
At the Expo, you’ll have the chance to speak directly with recruiters, hiring managers and industry representatives about what it’s really like to work in their organisation.
Ask about graduate programs. Learn what makes an application stand out. Find out which skills they’re looking for now – and which ones will matter in the future.
These conversations can give you insights that simply aren’t available online.
Hear what employers really want
One of the highlights of this year’s Expo is an employer panel focused on the graduate recruitment process.
Recruitment can seem confusing from the outside, with online applications, assessment centres, interviews and psychometric testing often feeling like unfamiliar territory.
The panel will unpack how employers recruit graduates, explain what they’re looking for at each stage, and share practical advice to help students approach the process with greater confidence.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you click “Apply”, this is your chance to find out.
Refresh your LinkedIn – and your professional image
Your LinkedIn profile is often one of the first places employers will look.
At this year’s Expo, students can receive a free professional LinkedIn headshot, giving their profile an instant upgrade.
Better still, there’s an opportunity to win a LinkedIn Premium membership.
To go into the draw, simply:
- Register for the Employability Expo.
- Have your free LinkedIn headshot taken at the event.
- Complete the Rock My LinkedIn Profile short course by Monday 17 August.
It’s a simple way to strengthen your professional presence – and you might walk away with a valuable career development tool.
More prizes!
As well as a LinkedIn Premium membership, students can also win one of two JB HiFi vouchers valued at $200. To win, attend the expo, speak to employers and submit feedback on your way out. Students who attend the expo could also win one of two La Trobe merchandise packs valued at $120.
Not sure what to say to an employer?
Walking up to an employer you’ve never met can feel intimidating.
That’s why the Careers team is running a pre-Expo webinar to help students prepare before they arrive.
“Making a good impression at the Expo” will cover practical tips for introducing yourself, starting conversations, asking thoughtful questions and making a positive first impression – skills that will help not only at the Expo, but throughout your career.
A little preparation can make the difference between simply collecting brochures and making meaningful professional connections.
Your future starts with showing up
You don’t need a polished resume, years of experience or a clear five-year career plan to benefit from the Employability Expo.
You just need curiosity and a willingness to start the conversation.
The contacts you make, the advice you receive and the confidence you build could shape your next placement, your first graduate role or even your long-term career direction.
Opportunities often begin with a single conversation. The Employability Expo is your chance to have it.
Visit CareerHub to find out more and the register for the Employability Expo.
See also: Why a Professional LinkedIn headshot was the best freebie on campus
Check out more career resources at CareerHub.