Finding a career after college can be tough, but Career Services strives to make the process easier.

Today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Career Services is hosting their annual Fall Career Expo in the UC Magnolia and Cypress rooms.

Career Services provides an exhibit of various employers willing to speak to students and alumni.

“It’s been around for a while,” DeLois Hargett, employer relations coordinator for Career Services, said. “I’ve been here for about 22 years.”

Networking opportunities are available for students and alumni as they meet with employers for full-time jobs, part-time jobs, internships, practicums and co-op opportunities.

Students are asked to arrive early, dress in business attire and bring résumés so they do not miss any opportunities.

“Come dressed in your best for that first impression,” Kevin Taylor, associate director of Career Services, said.

Every year, about 200 students show up for the expo, but Career Services would like to see more.

“The more we can get students involved, the more employers will come in the future,” Hargett said.

According to Taylor, job hunting isn’t a top priority for most students.

“Often students procrastinate looking for work,” Taylor said. “The week after graduation, students flood the Career Services office.”

Throughout the semester, Career Services offers workshops for interviewing, résumé building, one-on-one counseling and job search seminars.

“We’d rather students practice with us,” Hargett said. “Don’t practice with an employer.”

According to Taylor, the department hopes these workshops will prepare students for when they meet with employers and network.

Hargett keeps a database of over 300 employers who have participated in the past and sends out invitations every year.

This year’s Fall Career Expo has a list of 41 different participants represented by administrators and employers. The list is also available online for students to view.

The list changes when employers contact Career Services late wanting to participate, so students are encouraged to look at the list regularly.

The expo is VSU-focused and serves the student body and alumni solely– in the past, giveaways for netbooks and cash prizes have been available to attendees.

“We want [students and alumni] to open their eyes to opportunities they might have missed by not coming,” Hargett said. “We want them to go around and talk to the individual companies to find out what’s available.”