N.C. Central University students looking to make a successful leap into the job market attended the 2003 Career Fair held Oct. 2 in the Leroy Walker Athletic Complex.

This year’s turnout was the largest in the fair’s history, with over 1,100 people in attendance.

“There was an exceptional turnout this year,” said Carmen Dorsey, director of University Career Services. “There were great company and school representatives in attendance.”

For over 15 years, the Career Fair has given NCCU students a head start in finding the right career.

The fair hosted representatives from more than 70 businesses and over 30 professional schools from across the nation. They were all scouting for determined students who were ready to foray into their selected career fields.

“We are looking for those students who know where they want to go with their careers,” said Neil Gifford, a representative from Kinko’s.

Dressed in professional attire with resumes in hand, students walked from booth to booth introducing themselves, and picking up brochures and business cards.

Adam Jackson, a sophomore computer information sciences major, came to the fair looking for an internship.

“I was impressed to see so many companies reaching out to students,” he said.

When psychology major Jevelo Evans stopped by the booth for the UNC graduate school program, she was pleased with the reception she got as well. “They were very helpful,” she said. “Even though I was a sophomore, they treated me like any other student there.”

With more students in attendance than ever, the Career Fair’s reputation as an important stepping stone is growing.