Attending the 2001 Internship Fair on Wednesday, NIU students explored their career options by introducing themselves to an array of co-op employers at the Holmes Student Center.

Clad in business attire, with resumes and portfolios in hand, aspiring interns ascended upon the scene with a barrage of dress shoes and ties.

“For somebody looking for an internship, this is the best career move, to come to the fair,” said Mireya Pourchot, Internship Fair Coordinator.

Approximately 120 separate companies and institutions sent recruiters to occupy the recesses of the Duke Ellington Ballroom and its surrounding vicinity, drawing in expectant students.

“The numbers are down from last year, but the employers who do come are hiring for more positions,” Pourchot said. “Students shouldn’t be discouraged, it’s a good experience just talking to recruiters and being able to verbalize your resume, getting the experience of standing in line and listening to other

conversations, and kind of seeing what works and what doesn’t — this prepares you for when you graduate.”

From circuit courts to cigarette companies, representatives of virtually all stations in society were present, recruiting fresh talent to add to their ranks.

“As a sales manager for Philip Morris, I’m not a full-time recruiter, but I do head up our recruiting here at NIU, so that I can find great people to come and work for us,” said Bob Page, section operations manager.

“We’re not just looking for sales people, we come to Northern to find people who we think can be the managers and leaders of organizations,” said Page, “individuals who have good critical thinking and time management skills.”

While completing their college education, students may acquire practical experience in their respective professions by serving an internship.

“I’m currently serving as an intern for Philip Morris, and when I graduate in May, I’ll have a permanent position,” said NIU student Michelle Pierhal.

In preparing for a career, this allows graduating students the opportunity to combine the elements of classroom knowledge with real-world understanding.

“I work on building relationships with customers while selling new contracts, promoting and advertising — everything that marketing and communications is all about,” Pierhal said. “It’s a lot of fun, applying things that you learn in school, you get a taste of what you’re doing before you actually get thrown into it.”

Students who are interested in finding additional information pertaining to internships can go online at www.niu.edu/coop.