A new career is a giant step toward life after college. Fortunately, students have the opportunity to prepare for this important milestone.

The Fall Job Fair will take place at the Convocation Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday. According to the Career Services’ Web site, 170 companies have registered for the event.

Doug Davis, director of Campus and Employee Outreach, said students should come prepared to the Job Fair to secure a solid first impression.

“Having a well written resume and coming prepared is key to success,” Davis said.

Dressing appropriately and having knowledge of the companies attending also are important, as employers are looking for students prepared for the career they are interested in.

Proper business attire, including dress suits and a professional appearance, are essential to a high-quality first impression.

Davis also feels students should visit the Career Services office prior to Job Fair.

“We encourage students to come visit the Career Resource Center and get information about the various companies, and we can get them started writing a solid resume as well,” Davis said.

Having a superior resume is vital to the success of students after college, as all of their future employers will view the resume.

“If [students] have the time and get a chance to come in, we encourage them to come [to the Career Center] and have their resume critiqued,” Davis said.

Davis also said in addition to having a well-written resume, students should bring any other materials they feel employers will want to see, such as previous work and portfolios.

Students of any major and school year are encouraged to come to the Job Fair, even if just to explore what careers are open in the future.

“It’s never too late to start with this kind of thing,” Davis said.