Written by: Debora Charmelus, Campus Philly Program Manager
SPARK:Philly is only days away. Now’s the time for you start prepping for the evening. We wouldn’t be Campus Philly if we didn’t recommend some great spots for you to check out. Here are our tips for making the most of SPARK:
Do your research on the participating companies
Before you attend SPARK:Philly, you should take an hour to do your research on the organizations that will be in attendance. Our favorite settings to buckle down and take advantage of free Wi-Fi include Ultimo, a tiny coffee shop in Graduate Hospital where you’ll find students and young professionals alike with their heads in their laptops, and Dilworth Park, where –in between google searches- you can people watch and grab gelato from the nearby Capogiro cart. Yum!
Get a professional outfit that shows your personality
You’ve heard the adage a million time- first impressions are important. At SPARK, you’ll want to wear something that shows that you can get the job done while being true to yourself. There’s no need to break the bank when looking for fresh threads- Philly’s abundance of thrift stores has got you covered- literally! Buffalo Exchange always has the most up to date styles, Philly Aids Thrift has an entire room dedicated to clothing items that only cost a dollar, and for a range of fashion finds we love The Attic on the historic Main Street in Manayunk. Need ideas on how to dress? Check out our guide on stylish professional wear!
Fuel up for a great impression
We’ll have some Philly themed snacks for you at SPARK, but you should plan to come with a full stomach so you can focus on being your best. Luckily, SPARK:Philly is located in Historic Philadelphia, close to some great bites. National Mechanics features great Americana fare with an Olde City feel. Need a caffeine fix? La Colombe, creators of the Draft Latte, is right around the corner.
Grab thank you cards to continue the connection
It’s an absolute must to send a follow up to employers that you’ve connected to after the event, but if you really want to make an impression, we’d recommend sending a handwritten note through good ol’ fashion snail mail. Paper Source has some great cards and stationary that you can even customize. Want to buy cards in bulk? You should check out the newest Target, located right in Center City Philadelphia.
If you haven’t registered for SPARK, what are you waiting for?! SPARK is your chance to meet dozens of employers and gain authentic advice on how to get ahead in Philadelphia.
