More than 120 businesses gathered at the Shippensburg University ShipRec on Oct. 3 for the fall semester Career Fair and Business Expo. 

Some of the businesses represented included UPS, XPO Logistics, WebFX and Aerotek. 

Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Clarion University, Chestnut Hill College and Duquesne University also sent representatives to provide students with information about continuing their education at graduate school. 

Tables arranged in rows featured both new and returning businesses for all majors. Many business representatives returned after participating in previous career fairs, eager to talk with students and faculty.

The fall Career Fair and Business Expo attracted around 400 people.

At the fair, students are able to meet various company representatives, hand out their resumes and get to know more about the company. 

Businesses that attended were looking to fill full-time, part-time and internship positions. 

Lorie Davis, the director of the Career Fair, said job fairs are great places for job-seekers to network. 

“Over 70% of people find jobs through networking. They can do this at a job fair,” she said. “The employers are here to meet students.”

While some students may think the fair can be intimidating, Interim H. Ric Luhrs Center Director Robin Dolbin suggested first walking up and down the aisles to see who you might be interested in. 

Aerotek representative Victoria Wright gave tips to students who are new to the job fair setting. 

“Dress the part, make an impression and don’t be afraid to ask questions,” Wright said.

Most businesses suggest not waiting until your junior or senior years to attend.

“Businesses remember students,” Davis said.

Davis also shared some tips for students who have never attended a career fair event.

“Research employers, dress professionally, bring your resume, know your soft skills,” Davis said, “Just come, you can always follow up.”

Students could also have their professional headshot photos taken for their LinkedIn profiles. 

The Career, Mentoring, and Professional Development Center offers career fairs every semester. For any other additional help with resumes, cover letters and mock interviews, students can visit Ceddia Union Building room 108 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

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