Crowded tables, an abundance of information pamphlets and plenty of opportunities gave career-seeking students what they were asking for at Ball State University's Career Fair.
The Career Fair on Wednesday brought in 164 organizations and hundreds more students.
Career Fair coordinator Cindy Hershman said the fair was a success because it reached its goal.
"Our goal was for at least 800 students to come, and although we don't know exact numbers yet, we know we reached it," Hershman said. "We were pleasantly surprised."
Students were able to walk around Worthen Arena and receive information about any of the businesses or graduate schools that were there.
Businesses offered full-time and part-time jobs and internships.
Graduate schools recruited students and gave out information.
Junior social work major Missy Tidd said there was a variety of organizations for different majors from management to the United States Marines Corps.
"I found a lot of places for internships, and there were two or three places dealing with my major," Tidd said. "It definitely helped."
Hershman said organizations at the fair were also pleased with the turnout.
"We had a good reaction from businesses," Hershman said. "A couple said that it was worth their time just because they found two great students, and that made it worth coming."
Tiffany Overton, a representative from Capital Group, said her company was looking for students with good communication and teamwork skills
The company was at the Career Fair to sign up students and offered opportunities for full-time jobs in customer service.
"We have been to several career fairs here, and [we] come because of the high quality students and opportunities," Overton said.
Graduate schools were also present at the Career Fair to give information and recruit students.
Tracey Stohr, graduate school recruiter from Indiana University, said many organizations looked for students who made positive first impressions with recruiters.
Stohr said she looked for students who were ambitious, prepared, had impressionable personalities and asked knowledgeable questions.
"There is no better place to recruit students than on campus where you can talk face-to-face," Stohr said.
She said she paid more attention to and was more willing to pursue students who gave good impressions, even though the fair was informal.
Hershman said companies will continue to pursue some of the students who attended the fair.
About 15 companies will interview students who recruiters met at the fair, Hershman said. Interviews will start today and continue during the semester, she said.
Students who did not attend this job fair can attend one in February, Hershman said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
