“You can walk in with zero expectations and still walk out with your life changed. If you put in the work for yourself, you’ll be surprised what happens.”
Nava Tavasoli
— Electrical Engineering and Computing Student
Preparation Pays Off
Nava is pursuing a double degree in Electrical Engineering and Computing Technology and works as a project manager for the Centre for Entrepreneurship, Engineering and Design (CEED), and a researcher for the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). She had previously applied to DND under the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and failed, so this career fair was important for her.
In hopes of making a lasting impression, Nava perfected her resume, sought out feedback from other professionals, and designed personalized business cards with a QR code that linked to her portfolio website. Her goal was simple: be seen and remembered by recruiters.
An On-the-Spot Opportunity!
At the fair, Nava went straight to the DND booth. What started as a casual introduction turned into something extraordinary. The recruiters invited her for an interview, and before she could even react, she had been hired, a one-time event and a rare occurrence that even surprised the university co-op office.
DND Canada is notoriously selective, but in the rare case, recruiters do and will hire people right away if they meet a candidate who will be an asset to the organization. Nava's planning, poise, and aggressiveness put her exactly in the right place for this mission, demonstrating that career fairs are not merely networking, they are career-defining events.
Lessons in Confidence and Persistence
Nava's success highlights the value of preparation, willpower, and confidence in one's abilities. By improving her resume, practicing verbal communication skills, and showcasing her technical skills in innovative manners, she was ready when opportunity came knocking.
Her experience is also contrary to a common misconception that career fairs are not often fruitful. For proactive students, the events can offer first-hand information of the hiring process, face-to-face interaction with recruiters, and in some cases, life-changing opportunities.
Inspiring Other Students
Nava's experience is a sobering reminder to students: being present, prepared, confident, and eager to engage can be the difference between success and failure. Career fairs are not opportunities to drop resumes off casually, they are opportunities to build connections, showcase your talents, and take charge.
Even if nothing results from one visit, students gain invaluable experience and exposure, improving their future prospects. Nava's journey shows that sometimes a mere conversation has the power to completely alter the trajectory of your career.
Her advice to fellow students is simple but powerful:
“Bring your resume, prepare what you want to say, and show who you are. These recruiters are here because they want to hire, and you never know who you might meet.”
Your Next Opportunity Awaits
Students are encouraged to attend future career events and meet employers like the Department of National Defence, who may be seeking talented candidates on the spot. Nava’s story proves that preparation, initiative, and confidence can turn a simple visit into a career-launching moment.
For students unsure about attending career fairs: show up, engage fully, and be ready you never know what opportunity might be waiting at the next booth.