Students majoring in business administration at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville had the unique opportunity to turn the tables on the typical career fair by attending the Reverse Career Fair in order to practice their professional skills with potential employers on April 16.

The Reverse Career Fair took place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Marquee Pioneer Student Center at UW-Platteville.

The UW-Platteville Chapter of the American Marketing Association, along with the Career Center and School of Business, organized the event, which was limited to 30 business majors with a sales and/or marketing emphasis.

During this event, students gained the opportunity to switch positions with the employers.

Students were positioned in booths, while the employers circulated the room and asked questions about the candidates.

This experience provided students with the opportunity to communicate with employers in this type of setting.

Similar to the regular career fairs, students could share their skills and qualifications through a résumé, portfolio or any other interesting materials that would allow them to stand out.

“I love this new format for a career fair. I’m able to display all my great qualities and projects at my booth,” business administration major Ilya Nikulin said. “It’s awesome that I’m able to show my hobbies and interests with my scholastic achievements.”

Nikulin’s booth contained two tablets for employers to see his work, and his poster was decorated with LED lighting.

This event was the first Reverse Career Fair that UW-Platteville has offered at this time, and various students who participated mentioned that it was an interesting and beneficial experience.

Vice President of jobs and career placement in the UW-Platteville AMA chapter Natalie Braun played an influential role regarding the event’s preparation and success.

“One of the best parts of this event is that the student-to-employer ratio is 1:1. No one is rushed and everyone gets a chance to network,” senior business administration and media studies double-major Braun said.

According to Braun, reversing the normal fair layout allows students to network with professionals in more approachable circumstances.

Despite the unorthodox format of this event, the event generated multiple networking opportunities between students and professionals.

Students can look forward to participating in next year’s Reverse Career Fair, and obtain the opportunity to network and showcase their personality with future employers.