Click or Skip? What I Learnt From Attending Virtual Events

Attending university and careers events is one of the best ways to find out if a course and campus and career is right for you – this applies to virtual events too. Since 2020 and the rise of virtual events I’ve been to my fair share and here are my top tips.
Be Prepared
Technology doesn’t always work out the way we want it so preparing our devices and connection is key. Make sure you have a decent internet connection and your device is up-to-date software wise. If you’re using your phone or tablet, it may be worth checking you have the right apps to join.
Do Your Research
Before the virtual event, it’s good to do as much research on the University as possible to allow you to shape any questions you may have. Ask all the pressing questions about studying and choosing a university and subject. You may be attending an event with alumni or with professionals from the industry, in which case do your research into where they work so you can ask personalised questions. There are usually a range of ways to ask these questions whether it’s in a chat or Q&A function or up on screen.
Make a Good Impression
If you’re attending a virtual event which includes networking (which lots to by the way) then make sure you’re dressed appropriately, make sure the webcam stream is clear and not fuzzy and be sure to come up on screen to ask your question. Just because the networking is virtual doesn’t mean you should rely on the Q&A to ask your question. If there’s an opportunity to come up on screen to network, then I highly advise that you do. Firstly, to get into the practice of networking (because it can be daunting) but also you never know when you may meet those staff members again especially if you’re networking with graduate recruiters at a firm.