Visiting Exhibitions and Conferences to find work as a graduate

A good way to find work as a graduate, is to visit conferences and exhibitions where companies are presenting their goods.

Firstly, the conferences are usually manned by Sales and Marketing staff, not by HR, so you have a new and unique point of contact. Sales people are generally very keen to buy. They see the benefit in everything. It is how they have been trained.

You can ask for referral, get company information, find out about product or service unique selling points.

Also, often the easiest way into a company is through the commercial department. In times of crisis, cost effective, technical, good sales staff is vital. As a first job an engineer can learn a lot working in a commercial environment. Not only about the relevance of engineering in a company but also communication skills. Everyone with a business sells at some point or at some level.

So, what is stopping people from attending? Generally the cost of these events, but there are exhibitions and conferences that are free. Register for them. Get attendance lists. And don't be put off by location, attendants and exhibitors travel the world. You will find an American company exhibiting in China.

Next month, for example, is one of Europe's largest Chemical conferences. Attending will be Chemical Companies, EPC's, Sub Contractors, Staffing Companies, everyone a Chemical engineer would want to work for.

Here is the link if you want to register. http://www.expoquimia.com/en/register

Open it in a new tab or window, because as a favour to my readers, I pass you a link for a free registration code! Get in free, get access to the exhibitors list, names, company profiles. Get market info. Find potential employers.

Good luck and pass this on to anyone you think may find this useful.