FAQs
1. What is the dress code for this event?
Please come in Business/Professional attire.
2. Which companies will be at the Career Symposium?
Baxter
Booz Allen Hamilton
BP
CIA
DirectTV
Farmers Insurance
FDIC
LA 18
Macau Government Tourist Office
MTV
National Language Service Corp
United States Navy
New York Life
Prudential
Southern California Edison
Target
Time Warner Cable
Union Bank
Walt Disney Company
Warner Brothers
…and more to come!
3. Should I bring copies of my resume to the Career Symposium even though I already uploaded mine onto the website?
Yes, it would be best if attendees bring multiple hard copies of their resumes, as there will be opportunities to speak with recruiters and company representatives. You should come prepared to possibly interview with the companies you are interested in.
4. Is there anything I can do if a company I’m interested in speaking with is not represented at the Symposium?
Yes! Please feel free to send us your company suggestions by emailing our Director of Professional Development, Maggie Yang, at Maggie@apex.org.
5. Is the event open to everyone or just APAs?
The event is open to all. Although the event is catered to APAs, everyone is welcome to attend all parts of the Career Symposium.
6. What else can I do to prepare for the Symposium?
There are several things you can do to help ensure that you maximize your experience at the symposium:
Conduct research on the companies you are interested in speaking with.
Review a company’s website to get a sense of its mission, values, culture and product. Seek to understand the current landscape of the industry the company is in (i.e. What factors or current events are impacting the organization? Who are the company’s major competitors and how does the company set itself apart from its competition? Who is the audience the company markets its products to?)
Prepare your “elevator pitch”; which is a very succinct summary of why you are the person they should hire. Imagine that you walk into an elevator and see the CEO of Company X, an organization you are really interested in working for. Before the CEO gets off at the next floor, what would you say to this individual about yourself and your capabilities that would pique their interest enough to want to offer you a job, or at the very least, a more formal meeting or interview? To develop your pitch, consider your background and experiences and what you offer. Review the research you conducted on the company and identify its key issues. How can you assist the company with solving those issues? What do you bring to the company that other applicants do not have? What sets you apart?
Review our “Resources” tab at http://2009cs.apex.org/ for helpful tips on resume preparation, the importance of networking, etc. Consider checking out other online job sites for additional information and tips.
Most importantly, relax and don’t forget to smile! The companies that are participating in the Career Symposium are eager to meet you. Take a deep breath and put your best foot forward!
7. How much does the parking cost?
Parking at the Wilshire Grand Hotel is $12.00 with validation.
8. Is there anywhere else to park other than at the Wilshire Grand Hotel?
Yes, there are two (2) parking lots nearby that charge a daily rate of $6.00. Prices may vary so please check the signage for daily rates. Please see the maps below.
724 S. Figueroa St.
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=724+S.+Figueroa,+Los+Angeles,+CA&ie=UTF8&ll=34.050348,-118.260505&spn=0.007147,0.016544&z=16&iwloc=A
827 S. Figueroa St.
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=827+S.+Figueroa,+Los+Angeles,+CA&ie=UTF8&ll=34.049602,-118.262393&spn=0.007147,0.016544&z=16
9. Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Please feel free to send an email to Maggie Yang (Maggie@apex.org) or Karin Lin (Karin@apex.org).
