Virtual events are an impactful way for employers to connect with students. It allows students to ask live questions and interact with employers in their field of interest.
If you would like to host a virtual event, please email the Career Center at ccpd@umw.edu. (Note: You must use your own virtual software to host your event. The Career Center will be responsible for marketing only).
Once your event has been submitted and approved, the UMW Career Center will market to students through the following outlets:
- Career Center Social Media Accounts: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
- Handshake Targeted Emails: These are sent to employers’ target student groups, such as specific majors or class years
- Outreach to related Department Chairs, Career Advisors, and Faculty
- Outreach to related clubs and organizations
Recommended virtual event platforms include:
Creative Formats to Consider for your Virtual Event
- Office Tour
- A Day in the Life at “XYZ” Company
- Open Office Hours
- Focus on a career related topic – resume, cover letter, mock interview, networking, while also discussing your organization.
- ‘Ask me Anything’ Session (also called AMA)
- Employer or alumni panel
- Themed – bring your pet, coffee chat, lunch and learn, pop culture reference, etc.
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Virtual Shadowing (allowing a student to spend an hour or two with an employer while they work)
- Feature live polling during your session. Quizzes and polls, hosted by free services like Mentimeter, Kahoot and Poll Everywhere, allow attendees to answer quick trivia questions using their phones.
Additional Tips for Virtual Events
- Be creative in your session title.
- Be sure to test your audio and video at least 20 minutes prior to your event.
- Record your session. You may be able to use it for additional recruiting purposes. The UMW Career Center may also request to record some of the sessions in order to keep a database of employer sessions.
- Schedule at a time that does not conflict with class schedules. Consider evenings or weekends. Tuesday-Thursday are typically the best days to host a session.
- Events should be a maximum of 45 minutes. Be sure to leave time at the end for questions.
- Review all privacy policies for the platform you are using.
- Follow up with those who attended.
If you have questions about your virtual event, please email ccpd@umw.edu.