Levi Hastings, MSU graphics design student, designed the poster for the MSU Career Fair, which will be held from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Friday. About 135 companies will be on campus to meet MSU students.

Representatives from more than 135 companies and organizations and more than 2,200 students are expected to attend Montana State University's 17th annual career fair set for 9 a.m.-3 p.m tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 8, in the Strand Union Ballrooms.

"We're up (in the number of companies represented) from last year," says Carina Beck, director of MSU Career Services. She said among the companies represented will include UPS, Rightnow Technologies, Boeing, Qualcomm, PrintingForLess.com, Cargill and Davidson Companies, and others.

While not quite up to the heyday of MSU recruiting, when upward of 180 organizations recruited on campus, Beck believes that companies have turned a hiring corner.

"Employers are telling us that they are ready to interview interns or full-time employees," Beck said. "They are NOT going to make onsite job offers while they are here. Those days are over."

Students interested in a list of companies and organizations attending the fair may go to the Career Services' Web site and click on "17th Annual Career Fair." Profiles of each company and the majors each is interested in hiring are also listed on the site, starting with Advanced Silicon Materials and ending with the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. In addition, other Career Fair week activities are detailed.

While MSU traditionally attracts recruiters seeking students in technical fields such as engineering, Beck said students with backgrounds in the humanities should not be deterred.

"Students need to come to a fair with certain skills," Beck said. "Students need to market their skills and abilities." For instance, Beck said, English majors could market their technical writing skills, or their experience as good team members.

"For example, Pulte Homes, a large construction company, has the philosophy that they can teach anyone to build home. They are looking for students with skills they may find attractive, such as a can-do attitude, an entrepreneurial spirit, or the ability to speak another language, for instance."

Beck said that the Career Fair offers opportunities for MSU students at every level. Freshmen should come and check out the employers and attend workshops to get them thinking about careers. Sophomores and juniors should begin talking to businesses about internships. Juniors and seniors should come and meet with the representatives.

"It's free," Beck said. "Take 20 minutes and just roam."

Written by Carol Schmidt and posted 10/7/04