The latest episode of The FOX Five is a must-watch for all clinical students visiting a conference or career fair—especially APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting which is happening February 23-25 in San Diego, CA. As you’ll hear from Crysta, it’s important to find a practice that aligns with your values, and when you do find one, make sure to let your intentions be known, bring some positive energy, and follow up afterward.

If you’re attending CSM this year, you can speak with Crysta and other colleagues from FOX Rehabilitation at Booth #2521. Click here to learn more about what we have in store for CSM!

Jim: Welcome to The FOX Five, the series that explores the world of FOX Rehabilitation through an original list created by a FOX colleague. Today, I am joined by FOX University Relations Specialist, Crysta Duryea.

Crysta: Hi, thank you so much for having me, I really appreciate it.

Jim: Yeah, thank you for being here and I'm excited to hear your FOX Five.

Crysta: Of course.

Jim: I've seen you in action. I've been at a conference with you, so let's begin. Crysta, what is your FOX Five?

Crysta: Alright, my FOX Five is: Five Ways to Prepare Yourself for a Conference or Career Fair.

Jim: Okay, should I also take notes? Could this apply to me? Are we talking more students, or anyone?

Crysta: So, what I deal with primarily is going to career fairs for students, but I do think this kind of correlates with both. It's the way to make yourself memorable—that face-to-face interaction when you have multiple companies there.

Jim: I'm going to take notes on this one. So, Crysta what is number one?

Crysta: I think number one is—finding out who is actually going to be in attendance. That means company-wise, knowing when the event is happening, where the event is, doing that preliminary research so that you're showing up with a few minutes to get yourself together and be ready for the companies that you're about to interact with—know about the setting and the population. You don't need to know all of what's happening. That's the reason why we're meeting with you, but I think it helps you choose and kind of know how to navigate the fair or conference that you're at—where to start and where to meander afterward.

Jim: A little recon.

Crysta: Yeah, exactly.

Jim: You bump into someone and you're like, “Oh, I didn't know you were going to be here,” and then you blast them! You know everything you’re going to say to them.

Crysta: Exactly.

Jim: Crysta, what is number two on your FOX Five?

Crysta: Number two is—networking while you're there. Not every company is going to have exactly what you're looking for per se, but I do think it's important that you get to know everyone that's there. You never know what's going to happen down the line or maybe your niche is going to change and what you're interested in, so just getting to know everybody, going to each of the booths and even just grabbing that one or two-line word or pitch that they have for the company is important to see.

Jim: Solid FOX Five so far, and we're only through two. Crysta, what’s number three on your list?

Crysta: Okay, so number three I think is one of my favorites, it’s—bringing that energy and being memorable. You don't need to be the most unique or coolest person ever, but just being able to match someone's energy and showing that you actually want to be there and ask those questions of—“why are you a part of this company?”—is so important, and that's what kind of makes me stick with some of the students. I notice that they're actually interested in talking to me and getting to know about FOX.

Jim: And you can feel it right off the bat.

Crysta: Oh yeah, definitely. I think being there and actually showing that you're paying attention, actively listening, and having questions prepared, you're already ahead of so many of the students.

Jim: Excitement and enthusiasm are contagious.

Crysta: Yes, definitely. It permeates throughout the room.

Jim: That brings us to number four.

Crysta: I know a lot of people travel in groups, right? When they go to different booths they'll all be together and they kind of want to hear everything all at once. I think one of the most important things is—it's okay to deviate from your group. If you want to spend time and be an individual and ask those questions that have not been asked, or maybe they have not talked about mentorship or talked about student clinical experiences. It's okay to stay back and ask those questions, or even to grab a business card because you want to make sure that you're getting those questions answered.

Jim: I would pay money to see you at a conference, tap someone on the back and say, “Hey, it's okay if you break free from your pack, it's a good thing.”

Crysta: It's okay, feel comfortable, it's totally fine. I'm here to help you, that's my job.

Jim: Crysta, that brings us to number five on your FOX Five.

Crysta: I think number five is one that I don't really do all the time, but it's—follow-up. I think when you meet somebody that you love or the company that matches your mission, it's so important to be like, “Hey, it was so great meeting you.” Or, bringing your resume and making sure that they know that you are interested in being communicated with after the fair or a conference is very important.

Jim: That is a great Number Five, because a lot of times I'll go hard and then after a conference I'm almost too tired to follow up, but that follow-up is important!

Crysta: Yep, and it's okay if it's not done within like the first 10 minutes afterward. I always give it 24 to 48 hours of, “It was nice meeting you, here's my contact info.” That way, when you recover from all of that facade of happiness and energy, you're able to then [say], “It was really, really nice meeting you. I align with your values and I align with your company's mission. I'd love to talk further.”

Jim: If you see Crysta at a conference, follow her FOX Five.

Crysta: Yes, I’m excited to meet you all!