Career Services hosted the spring 2009 job fair Wednesday. There were 130 employers present at the event in the NIU Convocation Center.

The employers ranged from department stores, military branches and federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Department of Homeland Security – Customs and Border Protection to health care agencies, hospitals, businesses, car agencies, radio stations, banks and financial agencies.

The event was focused on those looking for full-time careers, said Mary Myers, associate director for campus and employer relations for Career Services. Candidates walked in and placed one resume on the table before sitting down and filling out a name tag.

Some students from the University of Illinois, Millikin University and Bradley University also were job searching at the Convo. The fair was also open to residents from the DeKalb and Sycamore area.

“It’s because of the economy,” Myers said. “Students are looking around at different schools.”

She also offered further advice for students. They should prepare and do their research on an employer before coming. They should research the salary, practice their speech and be prepared to discuss the company.

Students should also research what companies are hiring in Illinois before they pick their major, Myers said.

“You should think what job opportunities will there be,” she said. “Be prepared to go where the company is.”

Erin Hillebrand, regional recruiting supervisor for Enterprise Rent-A-Car was present at the fair, and said the company is a sponsor of the event. The company came to look for candidates to hire that fit their requirements.

“[We’re] looking for students who display leadership characteristics and management skills,” Hillebrand said.

Senior business administration major Ankur Dahal walked in with her resumes in hand and had a confident attitude as she headed into the arena in search of a job.

“I am graduating in December, and the fair is good for networking and jobs,” she said. “It’s always good to come than not to come.”