Nearly half of students fresh out of college will face unemployment, according to recent research done by Jaison R. Abel, an economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
"For recent college graduates, finding a good job has indeed become more difficult," he writes.
However, the University of Memphis' Spring Career and Internship Expo hopes to make the process of finding a job easier.
While graduates may be living in fear of unemployment, working hard while in college may pay off, according to the Assistant Director of Career Services Courtney Book.
In Book's opinion, students can increase their odds of finding well-paying jobs by landing internships during school. She is also one of the coordinators behind the Career and Internship Expo.
"(The expo) will provide students with a chance to network with employers." Book said. "It will also allow these companies to share information about their company about full-time and mentorship opportunities."
There will be representatives from 86 companies, industries, non-profits and government agencies attending the expo including Verizon Communications Inc., Memphis Light Gas and Water, The Commercial Appeal, St. Jude Medical Inc. and The West Clinic.
Book warns students not to come unprepared. Dressing in professional attire and bringing a well proof read résumé can make the difference between making a lasting impression and leaving empty-handed.
"(Students) should try to be well-polished," Book said. "Doing research on the companies can help as well."
Tips for what to wear or how to format a résumé are available on the Career Services websites.
Darius Sullivan, accounting senior, was able to find an internship with North Western Mutual when he attended last year's expo. He said he enjoyed his experience.
"We learned the functions of business," he said. "It gave me real world experiences in sales and financing."
The Spring Career and Internship Expo will be held Wednesday in the University Center Ballroom at 10 a.m. on Feb. 19.
