On Friday, Oct. 19, over 300 students had the chance to interact with representatives from more than 50 companies and graduate schools at the 2012 Career and Graduate School Expo, sponsored by the UNH Center for Career Development (CDC).

Over 300 students had the chance to interact with representatives from more than 50 companies and graduate schools.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., students, faculty and alumni had the opportunity to meet with employers from major companies and graduate schools such as AFLAC, Bank of America, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Yale University and Connecticut State Police Department, amongst many others.

In weeks prior to the event, the CDC put on workshops to help students make the most out of the career fair. The CDC offered resume revisions up until the day before, and put on special workshops catered toward the expo.

Dina Wulinsky, a career advisor in the CDC, offered students some advice on how to be successful at the career fair. She advised a smile, a strong handshake and a positive attitude, but the most important was to come prepared. Wulinsky urged students to research employers to know enough about them to connect how a potential applicant’s background would be relevant to the needs of the company.

Matt Caporale, executive director of the Career Development Center emphasized the importance of setting yourself apart from other potential applicants during this unfortunate job market.

“Given the tough labor market, students should embrace this opportunity to meet with employers who are coming to campus with an interest in hiring you,” Caporale said.

Students and employers alike were pleased with the opportunities available to them at the expo. Jessica Schwarz, a criminal justice major at UNH, was able to make early connections with companies she hopes to apply to after graduation.

“The fair has been extremely beneficial,” Schwartz said on Friday. “I’ve been able to give out my resume a few times this afternoon. I’m most excited that I was able to speak with a representative from the New Haven Police and Match Education. They’re both places I would love to be able to work at.”

Christine Falcone, a 2009 alumnus of the University, arrived at UNH on Friday as an employer.

“There is a great mix of majors here today. The students that I have spoken to so far have generally been making a good effort and I’m very impressed by some potential applicants,” Falcone said.

Many students left the career fair with new connections, information regarding graduate school applications, and some even walked away with interview dates.