Attending the DCP Industry Expo is a fantastic opportunity for architecture, construction management, landscape architecture, and related majors to connect with potential employers and secure internships or jobs. Follow these quick, actionable steps to make the most of your experience without feeling overwhelmed!
1. Research Ahead
Start by checking out the list of attending companies (available through the Career Fair Plus app). You may not be familiar with all of the companies, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk to them! Do some outside research – review their LinkedIn and websites to get a feel for the company.
2. Make a Plan
Once you review attendees, it’s time to make a plan. Create an “A” list of must-visit employers and a “B” list of companies you’re interested in but less familiar with so you can prioritize your top interests.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit a “B” list company first to ease your nerves and warm up your pitch.
3. Polish Your Resume & Prepare Your Portfolio
Update your resume with recent projects, relevant coursework, or industry-related skills. Aim to keep it clear and concise—one page is ideal. In more design-oriented fields, it can be a good option to have a more visually appealing resume that you hand to people in-person, but if you’re applying online through an application portal, make sure your resume is compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (this usually means keeping it a lot simpler, like our sample resume.
💻 Resource Alert: Tools like Quinncia (free for UF students!) can provide resume feedback and mock interviews. It can check your document for ATS compatibility!
Don’t let designing a portfolio overwhelm you. It is simply a collection of your best work that tells a story about who you are as a designer. Most importantly, you want it to look professional and adhere to a consistent style throughout. Check out our Portfolio Resources for more information.
4. Prepare Your Pitch
Craft a short, engaging introduction to use when approaching employers.
Include:
- Who you are (name, degree, field).
- What you’re interested in (target roles, projects, or industries).
- Key strengths (skills or relevant experiences).
- What you want next (e.g., an internship, advice, etc.).
🎤 Practice out loud until it feels natural but not overly rehearsed! You may not share all of this information at one time, but these are all things that could come up in conversation!
5. Take Notes
Bring a small notebook to jot down key points from conversations. Write down names, opportunities discussed, and next steps. These notes will make your follow-up messages more personalized and impactful.
6. Follow Up Like a Pro
After the expo, send a thank-you email or LinkedIn message to the employers you met. Mention specific details from your conversation to stand out.
- Reiterate your interest in their company or opportunities.
- Thank them for their time and advice.
✉️ Pro Tip: Always include a note when connecting on LinkedIn to remind them where you met!
Final Thought
Confidence comes with preparation! Take these steps, and you’ll navigate the DCP Industry Expo like a pro. Whether you’re looking to land an internship or build connections, showing up ready will leave a lasting impression.
Good luck!
