As part of the IYLA programme, participants receive an exclusive invitation to the IYLA Recruitment Fair in London. After reading the list of camps that were going to be at the IYLA fair - I completely jumped at the opportunity!
Although I am not from London, and I had to have a little getaway to go to the fair, I will say overall I never thought twice about it. I knew the camps at the IYLA fair were for me and I would enjoy the overall experience and be super happy with my camp choices. Win win!
My Experience
I arrived at the QU2 centre where the recruitment fair at around 8:30 in the morning. I booked a hotel in the Westminster area so I could quickly walk to the centre instead of taking the tube - I would highly recommend this if possible as it took a lot of stress of me on the day. At 8:30 there was already a queue of people outside the building to get the hype going!
Prior to the fair, I had listed my top 5 or so camps that I loved. I met people on the day who didn't really have any restrictions and so were visiting the different camps to find what was right for them. Of course - there is no right or wrong way to do recruitment fairs! I would recommend taking a note of the camps you are interested in as it gave me a little more structure during the day.
In the queue, participants were handed out a very handy booklet full of the different camp names, what kind of activities they specialise in and finally a map of the centre and where each camp is situated! Having my eye on the main prize of my ideal camp, I noted where my ideal camps were and decided on a route to go. Again this is something I would highly recommend knowing which camps suit you and where they are in the fair.
I headed straight to the table of my ideal camp - and very luckily - was hired! First pick! It was a great experience, not anything like a stressful interview. The thing that I think people need to know is that camps aren't here to grill you with questions - they just want to hear what you can offer!
Finally, my recruitment fair tips!
1. Write down a list of camps that suit you, have a small game-plan to know what camps suit you!
2. Have a backup plan - if this camp doesn't suit you - which camp are you gonna try next. It's all about keeping yourself going.
3. Have some questions! I also find it shows you have been listening and you are interested to find out more about a specific camp.
4. Get lots of photos! Making memories to show others!
Finally, my recruitment fair tips!
1. Write down a list of camps that suit you, have a small game-plan to know what camps suit you!
2. Have a backup plan - if this camp doesn't suit you - which camp are you gonna try next. It's all about keeping yourself going.
3. Have some questions! I also find it shows you have been listening and you are interested to find out more about a specific camp.
4. Get lots of photos! Making memories to show others!
#iamCA #IYLA
