Around 140 employers are scheduled to be in attendance at Grand Valley State University’s annual fall Career Fair, with the goal of meeting possible students for future employment or immediate internship.

Beginning at 1 p.m. tomorrow at the DeVos Place Convention Center at 303 Monroe Ave., the GVSU career fair hosted by GVSU Career Services is open free to students and alumni who are seeking internships or possible employment.

Susan Proctor of Career Services said it is very important for students who are interested in attending the event to come prepared with résumés and to be well dressed. Proctor said making a first impression is key when trying to stand out.

Rachel Becklind of career services hosted a career fair preparation session this fall, with one of the topics being résumé requirements.

“It’s our mission to educate our students to make a difference in their careers and in their lives and provide opportunities to meet top employers in our area,” Proctor said. “Meeting face to face with people who are actually recruiting is very important, especially in today’s economy.”

Proctor said although the economy is currently in poor condition, employers still are hiring, adding that many local companies have shown signs of great interest toward the GVSU community and GVSU students.

“The economy I think is turning around,” she said. “I think we are seeing more employers having jobs available to offer and they are very interested in Grand Valley students. They feel that our students are well prepared and to get in front of them face to face is so important rather than being one of 300 résumés.”

Hosted twice a year, once in the fall and winter semesters, the GVSU Career Fair looks to attract all students with no emphasis on any one area of employment.

Last year more than 700 GVSU students attended the winter career fair. Last year’s student attendance was around 1,200.

“It’s a great networking event if nothing else,” Proctor said. “I think it’s important for students to come prepared to this because it is their opportunity to meet face-to-face and make a good impression.”

The fall career fair will last until 5 p.m. tomorrow. Students can locate the list of scheduled employers participating in the fair along with other information about the event at gvsu.edu/careerfairs.

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