More than 100 organizations are expected to be on hand when Ohio Northern University hosts the Winter 2017 Career and Graduate / Professional School Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Friday,  Jan. 27 in the King Horn Sports Center Field House.

The event offers an ideal situation for reporters to gauge the job market and gain the insights of employers, those looking to launch their careers and individuals who are preparing students for the workforce.

The occasion is designed for students seeking both full- and part-time employment as well as co-ops, internships, and admission to graduate or professional schools.

“For students, this is a great opportunity for one-stop shopping and to talk with several employers in one setting,” said Justin Courtney, director of ONU’s Office of Polar Careers. “While online and virtual job fairs are gaining in popularity, these on-site opportunities have great value. They have more breadth and depth. For example, students can gain a better feel for an organization based on the people representing it, and employers can interact with the students. This helps greatly to determine if a situation is a ‘good fit’ for both parties.”

Courtney emphasizes the importance of students developing the “soft skills,” or interpersonal attributes, in addition to the necessary technical knowledge.

“We talk with students about the importance of self-awareness and communication skills that employers value,” Courtney said. “Further, we want to help our students find their calling in life rather than just pursue their professions.”

This holistic approach has paid off well for the University’s students. According to the Office of Polar Careers, 94 percent of the students who graduated in 2016 have found employment or are enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.

Following the morning event and lunch, there will be time for follow-up interviews from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition to the interviews, ONU students can have professional photos taken for their social media sites to enhance their job-seeking endeavors.