The NIU Alumni Association hosted a career resources and networking event Thursday night in the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center.

“With 165,000 alumni in the Chicagoland area alone, an event like this is a fantastic chance to network,” coordinator Julie Jancius said.

Students and alumni spent time talking about job opportunities, interviewing techniques and other career building aspects.

“It’s a great chance to network and gain some contacts which is always important as a business major,” said senior Alex Wagner. “I brushed up on my resume before coming tonight.”

Tough economic times helped draw some recent NIU graduates back to DeKalb.

“With the economy struggling, I wanted to look for new connections and meet up with old ones,” said John Shanafield, a 2007 industrial engineering graduate.

The Alumni Association used the opportunity to launch their new program, Career Advantage. The program includes resume reviews, networking opportunities and nearly 800,000 job listings.

“Career Advantage will help alumni and students through difficult economic times,” Jancius said.

Before introducing keynote speaker Paula Kosin, alumni President Jack Tierney gave a brief speech on the new program and the importance of joining the association.

“In an economy where it’s difficult to find jobs, we can give alumni and students fresh opportunities and an optimistic outlook,” Tierney said.

Every seat was filled as those in attendance listened to Paula Kosin’s speech. Kosin, a journalism alum, now works for the non-profit group Career Vision. The Glen Ellyn-based company helps people in career assessment and planning skills.

“You don’t just luck into great career opportunities, you have to put in preparation,” Kosin said.

After her address, students and alumni concluded the evening networking in the main hall or talking with various career resource centers.