Despite an increase in the cost to attend, approximately 117 organizations will be represented today at Ohio University's Winter Career Fair, making it the largest winter career fair in its history.
The cost to attend the career fair increased by $100 with profit-earning organizations paying a $300 fee to attend the career fair, while non-profit organizations must pay $250.
Brandon Bute, assistant director of Career Services, said the increase has been in effect since last fall and was caused by increases in food, printing and miscellaneous costs.
The attendance fee provides each organization with a table, morning refreshments, lunch for two representatives and parking. For an additional fee, organizations can use extension cords, have access to a wireless Internet connection, bring additional representatives and place an ad in an Employer Directory.
Bute said Career Services has not seen the cost increase negatively affect company attendance.
Actually we've seen attendance go up
he said. I think it really speaks to the companies wanting to recruit OU students on campus.
Joshua O'Donnell, a regional recruiter for the Peace Corps who has attended a previous career fair and will be at today's fair, said while he does not directly deal with the cost of attendance he feels the experience is worth the fee. I talk to a number of interested candidates O'Donnell said. It's a valuable experience.
Although Career Services would not comment on the total amount of money generated by the career fair, Bute said the event doesn't generate a significant profit. He said the money generated by the event funds various Career Services programs, online resources and supplies.
Students can interact with company representatives at the career fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today in the Baker Center Ballroom. Employers who wish to meet with selected students can conduct half-hour interviews with prospective candidates from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today. Bute said that nearly one-third of the
organizations choose to stay and interview students. - Bute said.
According to Career Services approximately 1,000 to 2,000 students attend the career fair. The majority of the students are juniors and seniors, though several freshmen, sophomores and alumni attend, Bute said.-
he said.
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Kaitlin Hensel
Students can benefit from face-to-face interactions, interviews with potential employers today in Baker Center Ballroom
