Career Lab

What does an employer really expect from you when you are just starting your career?

You may not have much experience yet, your CV may still be short, and the requirements in job postings can sometimes seem endless. But what actually matters to an employer when you apply for your first job or internship?

At "Learn & Work: YSU Expo 2026", the first stage of the Career Lab will focus on answering exactly these questions.

During the panel discussion "First Steps in Your Career: What Employers Expect", we will speak with HR professionals from leading companies about:

• what they look at first when selecting an entry-level candidate;

• how much experience, education and a CV really matter;

• which skills genuinely set candidates apart;

• and what you can do while still at university to enter the labor market better prepared.

This will not be just another discussion where you sit and listen.

You will be able to ask employers your questions directly, discuss situations you have already encountered or are concerned about, and understand what is worth developing right now.

And this is only the first stage of the Career Lab.

Next, you can also look forward to:

• HR consultation corners for one-to-one guidance and feedback;

• Speed Chat for short, focused meetings with employers.

If you are a student or recent graduate seeking to understand how to start your career with greater confidence, start here.

Which employer should you approach, what should you ask, and how do you start that first conversation?

At a career fair, the hardest step is often the first one: approaching an unfamiliar organization's booth and starting a conversation.

Speech Chat is designed to make that first step easier.

At this stage of the Career Lab at "Learn & Work: YSU Expo 2026," you will receive a task card that will guide you to different booths across the expo to start conversations with employers through short tasks and questions.

Your goal is not simply to visit as many booths as possible.

During these brief meetings, try to find out:

• what the organization actually does;

• what opportunities it offers students and recent graduates;

• what kinds of professionals and skills it is looking for;

• and, most importantly, whether you can see yourself in that environment.

Each new conversation may lead to an interesting discovery, a useful piece of advice, a new professional connection, or even the beginning of your next opportunity.

After the tour, we will meet again at the Career Lab to reflect on:

• the most interesting conversations;

• unexpected discoveries;

• and the organizations you would like to stay in touch with.

So take your task card, walk up, ask questions, and explore.

The company whose booth you might otherwise simply walk past could turn out to be exactly where you discover your next opportunity.