Tuesday September 11, 2001

Arizona Daily Wildcat

Fair offers students a chance to network, meet with career counselors

More than 180 employers will be on hand for Career Week in McKale Center through Thursday to encourage student interest in their respective fields. All students - not just those about to enter the job market - are welcome at the event, which goes from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, said Susan Miller, Career Week director.

"I definitely encourage students to go, whether (they are) freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors, because they have an opportunity to do important career exploration and job searching," said Marie Rozenblit, director of Career Services. More than 5,000 students attended last year's Career Week.

University of Arizona career counselors will also be available to offer advice and answer questions students may have about the 181 prospective employers who will attend the fair.

Rozeblit said students need to get their names out to employers, and the fair will offer a number of opportunities for them to stick out, including teaching them how to sell themselves with a one-minute commercial or create a verbal resume.

"It has become very important for students to network," Rozenblit said.

Computers and printers will also be set up so students can register with Career Services - which helps set students up with potential employers - and print resumes.

Rozenblit said networking skills have become especially important with the recent economic slowdown, and that it has become vital that students entering the workforce get their name out to potential employers.

"There is definitely a downtrend in the economy and it has become very important for students to network," she said.

She added that students attending the Career Fair have a head start in developing a relationship with Career Services. "Career Week is also a precursor for campus interviewing with Career Services, " Rozenblit said.

The event has been a UA tradition for nearly 18 years. Career Services and its counselors are the main hosts but the invitation to help was offered to campus clubs. Organizations such as the BPA student council, Engineering Student Council, and others have volunteered to help facilitate the event.

In return, their respective clubs will be given hourly compensation for the time worked by members.

Students who want more information on Career Week can visit its Web site at www.uacareerservices.arizona.edu.