NIU students have an opportunity to find out about a practical way to further their careers while still in college.

The ninth annual Cooperative Internship Career Fair will be held Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holmes Student Center’s Duke Ellington Ballroom.

About 1,000 students are expected to attend, said Casey Bozek, business coordinator for NIU’s Cooperative Education Program. He said 80 companies will be represented including Sears, Amoco Corp., AT&T, Rockford Memorial Hospital and Six Flags Great America.

Students attending the fair will have a chance to “hear dynamic recruiters speak on employment opportunities,” Bozek added.

Bozek said he urges NIU students to attend the fair because of the numerous tips which they can pick up. Students will be taught how to properly present themselves and their resume to employers. Those who attend will leave with a better understanding of the value of gaining experience while in college, he added.

Douglas Davis is the program’s coordinator. Bozek said Davis feels students who go a step further and decide to try out the co-op program open the door to a host of benefits resulting in “valuable career enhancement.”

Bozek highlighted some of the basic features of the co-op program. “It integrates classroom learning and on-the-job experience,” he said. “You get a job with a salary, college credit and first hand knowledge in your field.”

Bozek said there are two styles of co-op. Under the part time employment option, students work and study at the same time. When students choose the alternating option, students work a semester and then study a semester.

The only requirements necessary to be considered for a co-op position are sophomore status, a GPA of at least 2.00 and NIU enrollment.