The Heigi Family Career Development Center hosted its second biannual Career Fair Prep Day last Friday in Hughes-Trigg’s Forum and Ballroom West.

“We’re excited that we have so many opportunities for practical education,” director of the program Caryn Statman said. “It’s really nice for the students to get a chance to interact with real employers.”

Central to the event’s usefulness was Resumania, a program that allows SMU students from all majors to sit down one-on-one with employers from companies such as Frost Bank, Hitachi, Bank of Texas and the engineering firm Citrix for 15-minute resume critiques.

“It was great to have an employer tell me how to improve my resume,” senior Rishi Bangod said. “Now I know what they’re looking for.”

In addition to Resumania, there was also a workshop on how to approach the out-of-town job search and an interview panel that sought to improve students’ interview skills.

Friday’s event was in preparation for the Career Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 26 in the lower level of Hughes-Trigg.

“Ace Your Internship,” a lecture given by staffer Jessica DuBois, focused on practical advice covering everything from what to wear to respecting office property and office etiquette.

“Look at every task as an opportunity to demonstrate your attitude,” DuBois said. “If you can make your boss’ job easier, he or she’s going to like you.”

The theme of respectfulness was emphasized in the lecture. DuBois told of getting a call from an employer that she knows, telling her that a recently hired SMU student used the office copier to make 150 flyers for a frat party.

“This is not what you want to do,” DuBois said. “Always strive to accommodate your employer… common sense is often the key to corporate success.”