The NIU journalism department will hold its new student fair at 7 p.m. tonight in room 505 of the Holmes Student Center.

On hand will be representatives from the Society of Professional Journalists/Sigma Delta Chi, The Northern Star, the Public Relations Student Society of America, TV_8 and journalism department faculty. Each will be ready to answer any questions.

Typically, between 25 and 40 students “come around” after going to the fair, said Donald Brod, journalism department chairman. He said he has no exact numbers but believes an average of about 30 “start showing up in classes” after attending the fair.

The job market is “good for anyone well prepared in mass media,” said Brod.

The journalism department’s table will have preparation materials for the Journalism Qualifying Exam, which is mandatory for all seeking to enter the department.

Brod expects the fair to last about an hour, at which time he said any questions can be answered.

Refreshments will also be served.