The Career Development Center’s semi-annual job and internship fair is set to host more than 100 companies for students and alumni to form relationships and network with recruiters in the Pittsburgh area.

Elsie Boucek, School of Communication Career Counselor from the Career Development Center, is aware of some of the nervousness students might have and stressed the importance of attending the event, even if it is just to look around.

“It’s important for [students] to start networking even if they’re not quite ready to do an internship or to have a full-time position, they can at least meet people who are representatives of companies and find out what they’re looking for,” Boucek said.

Students can attend the fair on Sept. 27 from 12-3:30 p.m. on the 5th floor of the Student Center.

Due to the fact that meeting with employers is done in a professional setting, the Career Development Center suggests students dress in business clothing. If a student doesn’t have business professional clothing with them on campus, they can borrow articles like ties from the “Dress for Success” table before heading up to meet the employers.

“We do permit students to wear business casual attire,” Bouchek said. “We realize that not everyone has a suit. Business casual means you’re still going to be neat and presentable.”

Along with over 100 employer booths set up, one specific company, E.L.F. Entertainment, offers a LinkedIn booth where students can have their LinkedIn headshot taken for free and emailed back to them later.

“I always encourage students to get a LinkedIn profile together,” Career Development Center director Angela Scaramucci said. “This way, after you talk to employers at the fair and if that’s a company that you’re interested in for working for, connect with that recruiter on LinkedIn. That way you can stay in touch up until you do apply.”

Scaramucci also said that connecting on LinkedIn helps to increase the probability of recruiters remembering applicants from the fair.

All students are welcome to attend regardless of their year or major, including freshmen. Bouchek said freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to go to learn how to network with employers, so when it comes to searching for internships and jobs, they already know what to expect.

Before attending the event, students are encouraged to make an appointment with a career counselor to prepare and become comfortable talking to professionals.

“I’d recommend that they plan ahead and not go into a job fair wandering around looking for people,” Bouchek said. “It’s always helpful if they can identify someone who’s looking for someone who has the skills or who might have a position that might be of interest to them.”

Senior English major Candice Stein said that the Internship and Job Fair gives students an opportunity to find a good job, but mentioned some reserves students might have.

“I think a lot of people don’t go [to those events] because of their comfort zone, especially if you don’t know what you want to do with your life,” Stein said.

Students and alumni will first have to check-in, go through a registration process, grab a directory and will also have the opportunity to stop by the Dress for Success table.

Students that are interested in attending must sign up on Handshake prior to the event, dress professionally and take multiple copies of their resume. Go to pointpark.joinhandshake.com for more information and to see the complete list of employers.