Finding a job after graduation is never an easy task, but business students may have a better chance as more companies increase recruitment on campus.

"In the field of business, networking is the key word," said Julie Miranda, academic adviser for the College of Business and Public Administration.

Miranda said students need to make connections with people as soon as possible, because contacts can increase the chances of a job upon graduation.

Marie Rozenblit, director of Career Services, said recruiting on campus has increased from less than 100 companies recruiting in the fall of 1994 to more than 200 companies recruiting this spring.

Rozenblit said the majority of companies are recruiting students in the College of Business and Public Administration and the College of Engineering and Mines.

About 28 business companies were on campus this week to meet with students as Delta Sigma Pi, and BPA Student Council hosted Business Week '96.

Students were able to meet with representatives of companies and find out about potential job openings and internships as well as what specific businesses want in a future employee, Miranda said.

Dawn Seto, sales representative for Wallace Computers, said the company is looking to hire students for entry-level sales positions.

Having graduated from the UA last December with a double major in marketing and merchandising and consumer studies, Seto said she was offered a job from Wallace Computers in October before she graduated.

Seto said she interviewed on campus and has since signed a two-year contract with the company.

"This is a great job and I was very pleased to be offered this position," she said.

Olde Discount Stockbrokers also participated in Business Week '96 and have positions available nationwide.

Brian McClive, director of recruiting, said they are looking for students with sales ability and knowledge of the stock market.

McClive said Olde Discount Stockbrokers has recruited on campus before and has about 21 UA graduates working for the company.

Miranda said students also need to do their own career search and not just rely on campus recruitment.

"By researching companies on their own, students can find out basic information about the company, current jobs available, and resume information," she said.

Career Services has information on businesses that students can look up on their own, Rozenblit said.

"Students need to be knowledgeable about companies to make themselves marketable," she said.

Rozenblit said most companies look for involvement on campus, leadership positions, computer knowledge, career-related experience, language skills, and career direction.

"These are all things that employers look for that can give students a competitive edge over their peers who might not have these things," she said.

Rozenblit said that according to a survey done in January 1996 by the National Association of Colleges and Employees, many areas of business are on the rise, such as public accounting, computer software, merchandising, and consulting firms.

The survey also found that all business salaries are increasing, anywhere from 1.2 percent to 4.3 percent.

Miranda said the average salary for business fields is around $25,000, but it does depend on the specific field.

"MIS majors have a much greater chance of making a lot more than the average salary," she said.

Rosenblit said the computer industry is growing rapidly and advises all students to have some computer knowledge.