This blog post is based on insights and tips provided by Andrea Wight, Jeffrey Bunquina (ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company, Houston, Texas), and Joseph Holles (New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico). For more detailed tips and guidance on preparing a poster for the Meet the Industry and Faculty Candidate Sessions, check out their full guide.
The Meet the Industry and Faculty Candidate Poster Sessions at the 2024 AIChE Annual Meeting offer a unique platform for attendees to showcase their skills and research to potential employers. Whether your goal is to pursue a career in academia or industry, this event is a crucial opportunity to make a strong impression and establish connections with recruiters.
In this guide, we’ll explore what recruiters are looking for in candidates and how you can prepare an effective poster and elevator pitch to maximize your chances of success.
What recruiters look for
Recruiters at candidate poster sessions are primarily looking for candidates who align with their organization’s needs. They assess technical fit by evaluating your research and skills in relation to open positions. Additionally, they seek candidates with strong communication skills, both oral and written, to ensure you can effectively present your work. Finally, they value leadership and teamwork qualities, looking for individuals who demonstrate collaboration skills and can thrive in team-oriented environments.
Preparing your poster
Your poster is your introduction to recruiters, so making it visually appealing and content-rich is crucial. Here are essential tips for creating a successful poster:
- Focus on readability: Use large, clear fonts and a clean layout. Choose color schemes that are easy on the eyes and ensure proper spacing between sections.
- Highlight key results: Place your most important findings at the top of the poster where they are easy to see, rather than burying them at the bottom.
- Make titles and abstracts compelling: Ensure that your poster title and abstract are well written, clear, and relevant to attract recruiter attention.
- Visual quality: Ensure the poster is visually appealing and easy to follow, signaling your preparedness and professionalism.
Preparing for the session
To make the most of your time at the session, preparation is key. Here’s how to ensure you stand out:
- Practice your elevator pitch: Be ready to give a concise, one-minute summary of your work. Adjust your pitch depending on how engaged your audience is.
- Anticipate questions: Be prepared for questions from recruiters, particularly regarding the applications of your work or future research plans.
- Be ready for follow-ups: Know your schedule for follow-up conversations and bring printed resumes or business cards with a QR code linking to your application materials.
- Tailor to your audience: For industry, focus on practical applications of your work; for academic recruiters, emphasize how your research aligns with the institution’s goals.
- Attend as an observer (if applicable): If you’re not in the job market yet, attend the session to observe how others present and engage with recruiters.
Industry vs. academic
If you’re attending both industry and faculty sessions, consider bringing two different posters. If that’s not possible, design a poster that appeals to both sectors by balancing your research’s practical applications and academic contributions.
- Industry candidates: Your poster should focus on how your research applies to industrial challenges. Highlight skills and results that are directly transferable to real-world applications.
- Academic candidates: For faculty sessions, emphasize your research trajectory. Show how your current findings will inform your future research agenda and how your work aligns with the institution’s goals.
To dive deeper into tips and strategies for preparing your poster and maximizing your opportunities at the Meet the Industry and Faculty Candidate Sessions, check out the full guide.
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