For planning to attend the Career Showcase today and Wednesday at the O’Connell Center the state of the economy will be evident.
About 200 companies will be represented at the showcase — a 20-percent decline from last spring, said Ja’Net Glover, assistant director for career events at UF’s Career Resource Center.
While fewer businesses will attend, Glover said the number of job seekers is expected to increase last spring’s 6,000.
UF sophomore Krista Farmer said she plans to attend the showcase if she isn’t busy.
While she doesn’t plan to apply for any jobs yet, she is on the lookout for opportunities to keep in mind.
The Career Showcase is split up into two days. Today is a nontechnical day and features businesses in the areas of accounting, communications, retails and human services. Wednesday will feature businesses in the areas of computer sciences, construction, engineering and scientific research.
Jennifer Lestin, a recruiter for general contracting firm Wharton-Smith Inc., said the firm is “recession proof” because 70 percent of its business is working with the environment and with water treatment plants.
Lestin attended last spring’s showcase and said UF has been a good source for filling jobs in the past.
However, her company is veering away from full-time positions.
“This spring, we’re really focusing on filling our summer intern needs,” Lestin said.
The showcase is open to current students and UF alumni. Attendees should research the companies attending the showcase and dress professionally. They should also bring résumés, supplies for taking notes and Gator 1 ID cards, according to the Career Resource Center’s Web site.
