We get a lot of questions from people who want to start a career in CleanTech. As a professional recruiter for CleanTech companies, Ian has been giving valuable career advice on the CleanTechies Blog (read for example “A Crisis is a Terrible Thing to Waste” or “Does your CleanTech job hunt s***?“). Today, I want to draw your attention to some upcoming career fairs you shouldn’t miss if you’re in the area and looking for a job in this space. Events like these are a great way to learn more about the industry, its key players and what different companies are looking for in their new hires. Some of the job fairs post open positions on their web sites and offer on-site one-on-one interviews to selected candidates. My advice: even if you don’t get an interview, visit your favorite companies’ booths, and talk to their recruiters and managers. Not only can you get valuable insights into their hiring and selection processes, you might also meet somebody who can be a good reference when applying to your dream job.
Be prepared!
Whether you’re just discovering the CleanTech space or have already dug into it, do your research before you attend any career fair. You want to make sure you get the most out of it. What does that mean? Here are some things you might want to do upfront:
1. Check the event’s website and see which companies are attending (and what they offer at the event).
2. Do some research and learn more about the companies that interest you (write down questions).
3. Review your resume and make sure it’s up-to-date and typo-free (include your contact details).
4. Print many copies of your resume (you may want several versions).
5. Prepare a 20 second introduction to use with recruiters (describe yourself and your goals).
6. Make your schedule for the event (including any confirmed interviews, keynotes or workshops)
7. Dress professionally (you never know who you’re going to meet).
8. Arrange for your travel and get there on time (to beat the crowd).
9. Talk to company representatives and ask questions (don’t be shy, you’re there to learn!)
10. Network with peers who are also looking for a job (you might be able to help each other)
11. After the event, follow-up with the people you met (if you had an interview, write a thank-you note)
Upcoming Career Fairs – more in our Calendar
Here are some details about upcoming job fairs. You can find more events and conferences in the CleanTechies Calendar. If you know of any other (career) event – be it a job fair, workshop or seminar – let your fellow CleanTechies know, and submit your entry here. The CleanTechies Calendar features some of the major upcoming events and conferences in many of the most exciting CleanTech industries, including Agriculture, Biofuels, Solar, Wind, and Transportation. Check it out!
February 20/21, 2009 – San Francisco (CA), USA
ICF International Career Fair
The International Career Fair appeals to graduate students from the top engineering, scientific and business universities as well as seasoned professionals with industry experience. It brings them together with leading companies from Europe, Asia and the US looking for highly qualified candidates for positions throughout the world. There will be company exhibits, keynotes and workshops relative to international careers, and one-on-one interviews. Among the participating companies and job opportunities offered are several from the realm of energy, including Total, Area, and The EDF Group.
February 26, 2009 – San Jose (CA), USA
Nano Clean Green Job Fair
The Clean Tech Institute, part of the International Association of Nanotechnology, is hosting a Nano Clean Green Job Fair between 1pm and 4pm on February 26. The event is targeted at candidates who are looking for a career in emerging technologies. According to the organizers, hiring managers from the companies in the “green industry” will be presenting opportunities in R&D, Manufacturing, Quality Control, Marketing, Sales, and Corporate Management.
February 27, 2009 – Washington (DC), USA
The Virginia Sustainable Building Network in collaboration with the Green Careers Center are organizing a Green Job Fair for job seekers from a range of fields and experience. There will be employers from the building design, engineering, and construction areas. The event is particularly inviting new graduates in environmental and technical fields to attend. There will be employers in the energy and environmental fields hiring for both “hands on” and policy jobs. The event features presentations on the new federal economic recovery initiatives and the potential for green job growth in Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland. It also provides the opportunity to learn more about the job skills and academic background necessary for jobs in the new green economy.
More events for Berkeley & USF students
(and companies looking to hire these bright minds
)UC Berkeley and the University of San Francisco are hosting two more job fairs that are only open to their students. Companies can still register to participate.
February 26, 2009 – Berkeley (CA), USA
Green Jobs Fair (formerly ECO Career Fair)
(This event is only for registered UC Berkeley students.) UC Berkeley’s College of Natural Resources (CNR) and the Career Center host the Green Jobs Fair. Last year, over 35 environmental companies and organizations were on hand to talk to students and alumni about current job openings. Participating employers will recruit students for full-time or summer jobs in environmental consulting firms, government agencies, nonprofit agencies or other settings related to the environmental field. Students from all majors are welcome to attend.
March 17, 2009 – San Francisco (CA), USA
(This event is only for USF students) The University of San Francisco’s MBA Program is organizing a Careers Fair on Tuesday, March 17 from 3:30 pm to 6 pm in the McLaren Complex. Participating companies are looking to hire MBA students for part-time, full-time, and internship positions. If you are a company, you can register here. Once your registration is confirmed you’ll receive additional information for the event. Contact Mitchell Friedman from USF at +1 (415) 422-2598 or friedman (at) usfca (dot) edu for more information.
Check out the CleanTechies Events Calendar for more events and conferences.
3 comments
The February 26, 2009 – San Jose (CA), USA Nano Clean Green Job Fair can’t be found. Was it postponed or cancelled?
Great ideas, is there a place to elaborate on this all?
Part of getting a good job in the field is having the right education.
You might be interested in a new Certificate in Renewable Energy Management that Ohalo College of Katzrin is starting.
An Open-to-the-public seminar with guest speakers from the UN, Ministry of National Infrastructure, and Golan Regional Council and a short film on Renewable Energy will be presented Mid-December.
The Certificate classes will start Mid-Jan and run until May. Classes will cover business, legal/regulatory, economic as well as technical aspects of renewable energy, including energy efficiency and building design, with perspectives from around the world. Classes will be in Hebrew and English.
The last day of the certificate will have HR representatives from companies looking to hire our graduates.
Contact Sustainable@Ohalo.ac.il for more information.
Free free to forward this to your friends and family in Israel and around the world.
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