Finding a job in the field a student loves can be a daunting task, but Grand Valley State University hopes to smooth over this process for its students by providing them with the opportunity to network with hundreds of employers.

Students looking to explore their career or take the leap into the professional world have the chance to speak with over 200 organizations at GVSU’s fall career fair.

Organizations covering fields such as business, nonprofit, health, education and government/public sectors will be present.

The employers attending the event are hiring for part-time, full-time, internship and seasonal opportunities.

“It’s important to keep in mind that even if a specific job or title is not represented at the event, it’s a great place for students to find a referral,” said Rachel Becklin, assistant director in the GVSU Career Center.

“Networking is still the number one way we find internships and jobs, so it’s important to engage and connect with professionals while at GVSU,” Becklin said.

“Participating organizations have over 11,100 available jobs and internships to offer – that’s nearly one position available for every two students who attend GVSU,” said Susan Proctor, employer development manager at the GVSU Career Center. “These are some pretty amazing odds.”

GVSU hosts career fairs such as this one because they are beneficial for everyone, Proctor said.

These events can help first and second-year students explore career paths and companies they are interested in, Proctor said. Juniors are able to meet employers and learn about internships available to them, and seniors and grad students along with alumni can find further opportunities and land interviews.

Attending employers are looking for confident students who can effectively articulate why they attended the fair, Proctor said.

“Students should prepare an introduction – a polished 30-second or less speech to introduce themselves and why they are approaching the employer,” Proctor said. “Employers are looking for a firm handshake, students who look them in the eye and are dressed for success.”

There are also a variety of prep events, held on both the Allendale and Pew campuses to help students get ready for the career fair. These events include career fair prep, “Rock Your Resume” and “How to Talk to Employers.”

Workshops such as these are beneficial to unprepared students by teaching them what to wear, what to bring and what to do and say at the fair, Proctor said.

The event is free and open to the public, college students and alumni who are seeking professional employment or internship opportunities. Participant pre-registration is not required, but it is requested that students bring their student ID.

The career fair takes place on Oct. 22 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids. For more information about the career fair or career fair prep events, visit www.gvsu.edu/careers.