A Free Meal, and a Job Interview

While I'm technically not "unemployed", I am a grad student and I share many of the issues and troubles of my unemployed friends. By far the largest issue, is appropriating money between food, bills, and fun. Food comes first on my list, as it is a necessity for life. But the need to eat doesn't imply a need to spend. Besides the occasional dinner with my family, there is another sure fire way to get some free meals during the week, all while learning something new and possibly even getting a job.

"How is that?" you say. Well it's all about Universities and student organizations. As an undergrad I was an officer in a few student orgs., and I know, as well as every other officer, that the best way to get people to your meetings is by offering free food (mostly pizza). In fact this is true so much, that it's not uncommon to see a flier on campus with the words "Free Food!" much bigger then the details, such as the speaker or organization. And only rarely do you have to be a member of these organizations. Quite often, they are glad to have a good turnout regardless of who it is coming.

Finding these events is not hard at all. Most colleges have a website with a list of student organizations on it. A few minutes browsing the web could pay dividends. Failing that, kiosks, or bulletin boards are another common place to announce meetings. And of course look around the student lounges on campus and in the buildings (particularly business, science, and engineering buildings).

Don't forget to bring a resume. All too often the speakers themselves are recruiters for the company they represent. A quick chat after the talk, and a well formatted resume, and you'll be going home with a full belly, full head, and job interview.