More than 325 organizations are ready to engage Ferris State University students on Thursday, Oct. 26, as the Fall 2023 Career and Internship Fair returns to the Student Recreation Center.

Michele Albright, Ferris State’s Career and Professional Success Career Readiness specialist and employer liaison, said a 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. program will focus on College of Engineering Technology students. The focus shifts to College of Business and College of Arts, Sciences and Education students between 3 P.M. and 7 P.M.

Albright said 217 of the 325 organizations on campus are headquartered in Michigan, including many within a 50-mile radius of the Big Rapids campus. There are also companies visiting from 30 states, plus Quebec. 

“The large multi-major fairs are a terrific way for students to make connections, observe different types of employers and occupations, and gain confidence talking in person about their career goals and aspirations with recruiters,” she said.

Albright noted that 75 percent of the participating employers have at least one Ferris State alumnus on staff.

“For the past several years, our message to students has included an appreciation of those that open doors to amazing opportunities, to be proud of your Ferris degree, and to create opportunities for other amazing Ferris students trailing behind you,” Albright said.

Preparedness, Albright added, can help students, alumni and others seeking employment opportunities to maximize the event’s benefits. 

“We suggest that our students view the employer lists from both sessions, highlighting the ones they are most interested in talking with and plan to visit them first,” she said. “There will be a significant emphasis on businesses, education, healthcare, along with federal and state jobs. It is best to follow “Ferris 360 > Career & Professional Success” for up-to-date event information including which employers are attending and how to prepare for the fair.” 

Job seekers have several online resources, such as Handshake, Big Interview, and Resume Worded, to help prepare.

Appropriate dress is another aspect of successful interaction and Albright said information is available at First Lady’s Attic. Interview and resume preparation help are also available, along with career coaching consultation on Navigate. Albright also suggests that taking a broad view of the fair could bring students their best prospects for an internship or career opportunity. 

“Employers that attend recruitment fairs are generally seeking students from various concentrations with broad competencies,” Albright said. “Serious job seekers are encouraged to review the employer and recruitment goals for each session and attend either, or both, of them to make as many connections as possible.”