The Fall 2009 Job Expo starts today, giving University students a chance at finding jobs and internships by gathering over 100 companies into the Perry Field House for networking and interviewing.

A range of employers will be in the Perry Field House today, offering opportunities for internships, co-ops, full- and part-time positions. Available positions vary depending on the employer.

Due to the challenging economic times, Assistant Director of the Career Center Jessica Turos said this year’s turnout is expected to exceed the usual 1,000 students.

Ranging from freshman to seniors, students are encouraged to check out the Expo. Turos said as long as they go to the Expo with the intention of networking, students can benefit, regardless of academic year.

‘Each class standing can benefit in a different way,’ she said.

Upon arrival at the Job Expo, students will receive a blank interview schedule to make scheduling interviews easier. The interview process will be conducted in the Perry Field House tomorrow. Of the 121 organizations scheduled to participate, less than 50 are conducting on-campus interviews. Employers may choose to conduct on-sight interviews in the following weeks.

Turos said the employers are looking for the most highly motivated students, those who come out and interact. Confidence, preparation, and communication are among the most important skills to convey to potential employers, she said.

‘We’ve offered a variety of workshops and programs and the employers know that,’ she said.

Students should make sure they’ve practiced their ‘one-minute commercial’ and their resume is the best it can be.

Sophomore Mackenzie Albach said she is preparing for Job Expo by updating her resume and practicing interviewing skills with friends.

‘Be enthusiastic; I feel like if you’re really excited about it, they’ll be excited about you,’ she said.

Several Career Center staff members will be in the field house assisting students with any insecurities or questions they may have.

Turos said it would be beneficial for students to scope out specific employers – even if they’re not currently offering their choice job positions – to make connections for the future and to practice their interview and communication skills.

‘You could always ask if there are recruiters in other areas to get contact information from,’ Turos said.

Many featured companies are returning participants who come back to BG because ‘they know that our students have certain skills and experiences that they’re seeking,’ Turos said. ‘That’s something I think BG students should feel good about.’

Returning companies include John Deere, Walt Disney Corporation, Target, Owens Corning and American Greetings.

This semester’s Expo also features a number of first-time employer attendees, including Urban Radio Broadcasting, Liggett Stashower and CACI International, Inc.

While the purpose of Job Expo is not to take opportunities away from students who may not have business formal wardrobe items available, Turos said, ‘I would encourage students to dress as professionally as possible. We don’t want to see jeans, flip-flops, shorts.’

Senior Nick Andreano, who has attended Job Expo in the past, said, ‘Do your research before, because if you don’t, you’ll be lost.’

‘If you’re up and coming in your field, definitely go check it out,’ he said.’