The Center for Career Education held its annual Engineering Consortium Career Fair on October 15th. Hundreds of students lined the ramps of Lerner on Friday morning waiting for entrance into Roone Arledge Auditorium. Although graduation and summer are months away, students want a head start in their job search in what they know is a competitive market.

“I'm looking for an internship,” one student noted.

Another student specified that they are “looking to find entry level positions in various chemical engineering companies.”

With jobs scarce in this economy, students are nervous about finding a position that fits their needs. However, the Columbia University Career Fair provides a unique opportunity to meet with potential employers face to face, learn more about the companies and network with other engineers.

Gratification for the event is evident. As one student noted, “yeah it'll definitely help. I think internships are very helpful for getting jobs and having a career fair on campus is a good way to connect with employers and get opportunities for interviews and stuff.”

With high profile companies such as Google and NASA as part of the 100-employer fleet at the fair, attendees included students from every Columbia University school and even some affiliate schools such as Yale and Cornell. The fair, hosting hundreds of students during its six hour run, is one of CCE's most popular events, fulfilling its promise to help students in the job market.

One satisfied student exclaimed that “the career fair is perfect. I'm glad we're having this fair as well. It's definitely helping me with the job search process; it’s definitely helpful. Thank you, Columbia.”