Career Fair helps students network for jobs

More than 200 employers will be giving out information, meeting with students and holding interviews at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Fall Career Fair this week.

The career fair is Oct. 6-8 at the Nebraska and Nebraska East Unions, where organizations will talk with students and alumni about various employment opportunities. This is the first career fair of the academic year sponsored by Career Services.

The fair will be held on different days according to the career fields. The fair on Oct. 6 is for business, liberal arts, government and nonprofit. Oct. 7 is the College of Engineering career fair. Both fairs are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Nebraska Union. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources career fair is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Nebraska East Union, and the Actuarial Science career fair is 4-7 p.m. at the Nebraska Union.

Students will have the opportunity to meet directly with employers and, in some cases, be interviewed the next day.

"(The fair is held) to connect students with potential employers," said Christina Fielder, assistant director of Career Services. "The face-to-face contact is really so, so valuable."

With the economy creating a tougher job market, the fairs can be even more valuable, said Larry Routh, director of Career Services.

"Even though Lincoln is a great place to be, it's still competitive to get a good job," Routh said.

Though the economy has decreased the number of employers attending this year, Fielder said there are still numerous opportunities for students looking for jobs and internships.

"By no means should students assume there's nothing for them," Fielder said.

Fielder advises students to come in business casual dress, have copies of their resumes and be ready to approach recruiters and introduce themselves. She also encourages even those not looking for a job to attend.

"It never hurts to come and look around," Fielder said. "Then you know what to expect."
paigecornwell@dailynebraskan.com