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The Graduate and Professional School Career Fair is aimed at helping junior, senior, and graduate students who are considering pursuing further education in graduate or professional schools. It is specifically designed for students who are about to graduate from Alabama State University. This event takes place every September. 

As you approach the end of your undergraduate studies, you will encounter tough decisions on what to do next. One possibility is to pursue further education by enrolling in graduate or professional school. Making this choice can be daunting, but once you've made it, it's time to focus on the next steps to find and get accepted into a graduate program. 

FIRST STEP: Prepare 

While preparing to apply to graduate or professional school, there are three questions to consider: 

• What do I want to do?
• Who has the program?
• Which admissions test is needed?

SECOND STEP: Apply 

Once you have answered the above questions and narrowed your program choice, it’s time to apply. 

• Prepare, take, and send scores for the appropriate admissions test
• Request applications
• Prepare a personal statement
• Request transcripts
• Obtain letters from references
• Prepare for the interview
• Inquire about financial aid (such as scholarships, fellowships, graduate assistantships, and research assistantships)

THIRD STEP: Follow-up 

Plan at least one visit to campus for a face-to-face meeting with the program chair or an advisor 

• Note deadlines for application and notification of acceptance
• Accept the offer and follow up with additional materials if needed

• Job Search Preparation {Link to Handshake: Sign In | Handshake (joinhandshake.com)} 

The Office of Career Services Center provides a range of tools and resources to help you prepare for your job search. These resources include support with crafting resumes and cover letters, as well as interview preparation. 

RESUMES & COVER LETTERS: 

Your resume is a personalized document that showcases your education, work experience, and skills. It summarizes your qualifications and highlights your suitability for various positions such as jobs, internships, scholarships, and co-ops, among others. It's like a personal brochure that markets you to potential employers. 

NETWORKING SKILLS: 

Networking involves gathering information and making connections through the people you already know. Experts in recruiting agree that only a small percentage of job opportunities are discovered through classified sections of newspapers. In reality, about 80% of jobs are obtained through networking. 

RESEARCHING EMPLOYERS: 

It is important to conduct thorough research on an organization before applying for a job there. This will help you understand the employer's requirements and ensure that your qualifications match the organization's needs. Additionally, having in-depth knowledge of the organization will be beneficial during an interview, as the interviewer may ask specific questions to gauge your understanding of the company. 

INTERVIEW PREPARATION: 

Interviews allow employers to assess you as a complete person, rather than just your qualifications on the printed page. Employers want to gauge whether or not you would be a good “fit” for their organization. This is also an opportunity for you to find out the same thing about the employer. Most employers consider the interview to be the most important part of the hiring decision. Access My Interview Practice, a software tool developed to enhance your job interviewing skills and develop an edge over the competition. 

PROFESSIONAL DRESS: 

Although your skills and experience are crucial in securing a job or internship, appearing professional is equally important. While wearing the perfect suit may not guarantee a job, looking unkempt and unprofessional can hinder your chances of getting an offer.