UA's Career Day lets students find jobs from more than 160 employers

Students of all majors can explore job and internship options today and tomorrow at UA Career Days.

At UA's largest career fair, students can meet and talk with more than 160 prospective employers from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the ballroom on the third floor of the Student Union Memorial Center.

Students who attend the fair, hosted by Career Services, should dress professionally and go to the event with a good resumé, said Susan Miller, marketing and special events coordinator for Career Services.

"Students will get out of it what they put into it," Miller said.

Employers at the fair range from Abercrombie & Fitch and the Boston Beer Company to Microsoft and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Many of the recruiters are UA alumni, Miller said.

"Tremendous contacts can be made. It really is helpful for students to make contacts at Career Days," Miller said.

About 5,000 students attend the fair each year, Miller said.

Miller said with the exception of the 2001 fair, which fell on Sept. 11, the number has always been about the same.

The event lasts for two days in order to work around student schedules and to accommodate more companies, Miller said.

However, some students feel they do not have the time to prepare and go to the fair.

Lettie Hobbins, sociology junior, said she has never gone to one and probably would not because she is too busy.

Miller said there has been more employer interest in the fair this year than in the past.

More than 200 tables will be set up for employers. Tables cost $425 for corporate employers, $350 for government organizations and $150 for nonprofit organizations.

Miller said many employers return to the fair year-to-year.

"They are extremely impressed with UA students. The colleges have done a good job preparing students," Miller said.

Miller said the fair is always crowded and is geared toward accommodating all students.

But some students would like to see more employers at Career Days.

"I would probably go if it had the right fields for me. Something to do with healthcare, like nursing," said Kelly Metzer, a pre-nursing junior.

Miller suggested students start attending the career fair as freshmen in order to get familiar with the event and the employers.

Miller said Career Services has many resources to help students prepare for the event, like a checklist of what to bring and do, as well as advice on how to prepare a "one-minute commercial," to introduce yourself quickly to employers.

"We encourage students to take advantage of the services at the Career Center. We're here for students," Miller said.

For more information visit www.career.arizona.edu.