By Rebecca Wyatt, OU Web Writer

More than 60 potential employers plan to be at OU’s Diversity Career Fair, looking for full- and part-time employees and interns, on Thursday, Jan. 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms as part of Career Service’s Career Prep Month.

The goal of the Diversity Career Fair, which is open to all students of all class levels as well as OU alumni, is to get as many diverse students from the campus population as possible to attend, said Bob Thomas, director of Career Services.

The fair will include employers looking for students from a variety of majors to fill jobs that are full-time, part-time, internships and co-ops.

“This isn’t the best job market and having so many companies coming to campus speaks to two things — they like OU students and there are still some jobs out there in the area,” Thomas said.

The Diversity Career Fair gives students a chance to learn about companies, what they are looking for in candidates and job opportunities. It’s also a chance for students to learn from other students as they can compare what they have been doing to prepare for jobs or internships.

“The employers don’t normally hire people right after the career fair based on what they said during the fair. However, it could lead to a second interview,” Thomas said. 

Thomas suggests students bring enough resumes to hand out during the fair and also a list of references, which should include the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses for three to four people. He also suggests carrying resumes and references in some type of folder that is more professional than a paper folder.

“If I were a senior and was looking for a full-time job, I would dress more businesslike,” said Thomas, adding that men should wear ties and jackets and women should wear a business-type suit.

It isn’t necessary for underclassmen to dress as formally, but business casual dress would be preferred over jeans and T-shirts, Thomas said.

Students can prepare themselves for the Diversity Career Fair at “Marketing Yourself at Career Fairs and Beyond,” on Monday, Jan. 23, from noon to 1 p.m. in Oakland Center Rooms 128-130. Information tables and resume critiques also will be available in the main hallway of the Oakland Center on Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information about Career Services or Career Prep Month, visit the Career Services Web site or e-mail careers@oakland.edu.