Going Back to Where it all Began: IR 2013

A year ago, a couple friends and I did what most Liberal Arts majors, and specifically what most Communication and English majors, don't do. We went to Industrial Roundtable.

If you've never heard of Industrial Roundtable, I'll give you a quick run down. It's often recognized as the largest student-run career fair in the nation, and upwards of 300 companies attend the 2-day fair, including extremely well-known ones, like Apple, Microsoft, Lilly, Caterpillar, and John Deere. Companies camp out on Memorial Mall looking for Purdue's best and brightest from the Colleges of Engineering, Science, and Technology.

Forgive the poor image quality - these are pictures from the steps of Stewart Center showing IR 2012. 

So what were two Professional Writing majors and one Comm major doing at IR? Looking for jobs of course! I knew from the beginning that I was interested in some form of science or technical writing - I minored in Biology because, when I was accepted to Purdue, my dream was to be a medical writer at Eli Lilly. I knew that going to a Liberal Arts fair was not where I was going to find the technology and medical companies I was wanting to work for. I knew that if companies were coming to IR looking for engineers, they also had a need for technical writers.

I had a great experience at IR 2012, and not just because I found my job there. Every recruiter I talked to seemed genuinely interested in me, asked me questions about my resume, and took my resume to be included with all the other resumes from engineers and scientists (although, as a tech writer, it shouldn't be surprising that I get along well with engineers and scientists). As terrifying and out-of-my-comfort-zone as it was, I would recommend any Purdue student who wants a job in the tech industry to go to IR. It's crazy, it's hectic, but it's a lot of fun, too.

This year, I get to go back to IR - but as a recruiter, not a candidate. I get to sit on the other side of the table this year and ask jittery, hopeful candidates about their resumes, their Purdue experience, and what they can bring to LHP Telematics. I'm so excited to get to go back, not just because it's a day I get to spend back on Purdue's campus (I miss that place. A lot.), but because I want to be able to help some other student get that email that says "we like you and we want to interview you for a job."

So, Purdue students, enjoy the craziness that is IR 2013, and stop by the LHP Telematics table tomorrow! And may the odds be ever if your favor.