Oshkosh Placement

Exchange

“On The Road”

2013

What is OPE?Efficient way for college and university

Residence Life employers to meet and interview candidates from across the country

Entry level Graduate Assistant Post-Master’s Limited Opportunities in:

Student Activities Programming Leadership Development Greek Affairs

We are committed to helping you find your fit!

35th Annual OPE: February 28 - March 3, 2013

Employer Statistics

2010 2011 2012 2013

Registered 156 159 154 159

First Time Attending 13 23 14 9

Listings 277 275 268 269

Graduate Assistantships

118 115 129 116

States Represented 35 39 35 33

34th Annual OPE: February 28 - March 3, 2013

Candidate Statistics

2010 2011 2012 2013

Registered 570 490 558 589

Bachelors Degree 368 305 359 316

Masters Degree 202 185 199 183

Grad. Assistantship Interest

313 256 309 325

States Represented 39 37 47 40

Registration

Registration is already OPEN!Register Online: www.theope.orgCandidate Early Bird: $120 (prior to

1/1/14)

Candidate Regular: $135 (post 1/1/14)

Where Do I Stay?

Lodging is available in the Conference Center for $35.00/person/night (limited availability)

Oshkosh area hotelsReserve your room early!

What Should I Work On Before OPE?

“Blurb”ResumeResearch Interview SkillsBuild Professional Wardrobe

What Do I Do When I Arrive?

Pick Up Your Registration PacketAttend Candidate BriefingCandidate CenterTransportation Center

Registration

Check Your Mailbox!Registration Packet Includes:

NametagMessage SlipsCandidate Guide

Candidate Briefing

2 Chances:Thursday, February 27th - 6:30-7:15pmFriday, February 28th - 8:00-8:45am

Candidate Q&ARegistrationThursday, February 27th- 7:30-9:00pm

Candidate Center

Message Center:Send correspondence to employers

Request InterviewsSend “Thank You” notes

Receive correspondence from employersInstitution InformationInterview Requests

Candidate Center

Scheduling Center:Pre-Scheduled InterviewsSchedule InterviewsSchedule Updates, Changes, and

Cancellations

Transportation Center

Hotel/GCC Shuttle ServiceBus SchedulesTransportation Tips

Plan ahead!Early morning is busiest

OPE Tips

InterviewingEtiquetteDress for Success

Interviewing Do’s

Maintain eye contactKnow your stuff!Sell your skillsRelax, Breathe, Regroup

Interviewing Do Nots

Be critical or negativeEvade questionsBrag or boastUse slang and acronymsAsk questions about compensation

Etiquette

Only schedule with schools in which you are interested

Be honest!Be on time or earlyMake polite conversation with

othersNo trash talking!Use “Thank You” notes

Dress for Success

Build your professional wardrobe Use what you have Invest in tailored pieces and key basics Flair Avoid:

Being overly casual Feeling uncomfortable Distractions Backpacks

Life After OPE

Make a list of schools in which you are still interested

Maintain positive contact after the conference

Complete your file Prepare for on-campus interviews Schools are:

Reviewing files Inviting candidates Conducting on-campus interviews

Unable To Attend OPE?

Check out other placement exchanges throughout the United States!

• 13th Annual Southern Placement ExchangeHosted by the University of Memphis• February 21st – 23rd, 2014

• 35th Annual Oshkosh Placement ExchangeHosted by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Department of Residence Life and Gruenhagen Conference Center

• February 27th – March 2nd, 2014• The Placement Exchange

Baltimore, Maryland• March 12th – 16th, 2014

• American College Personnel AssociationIndianapolis, Indiana• March 30th – April 2nd, 2014

• New England Student Affairs Placement ConferenceLocation TBD• Dates TBD (typically held in May)

Best of Luck!

Questions? Thoughts? Other Tips and Advice?