by Colleen McCoy

During college, students can forget what the purpose of all of the classes, tests and labs is.

An employment showcase reminds students what all of the class work is for. Students will have the opportunity to network with potential employers at the University of Kentucky Fall Employer’s Showcase on Oct.13 and 14 in the Student Center Ballroom.

Hosted by the University of Kentucky James W. Stuckert Career Center, the annual event features full time, co-op, and internship opportunities in more than 100 local and national companies.

“UK really helps students by bringing in so many companies looking to hire new employees,” Libby Ebelhar, an accounting senior, said. “It really shows us what jobs are out there so we can get ready to graduate with options and connections.”

Students can also receive career and planning advice from professional recruiters, obtain interviews with potential employers and develop a network of professional contacts.

Approximately 75 to 85 percent of jobs obtained come from networking connections, said Lenroy Jones, the associate director of the University of Kentucky Career Center.

“I think [the event] is even more important in today’s economy,” said Jones. “It’s a great chance to touch over 100 companies in just two days.”

Students who attend a career fair as early as their freshman or sophomore year report increased confidence in their ability to interact with employers and communicate their accomplishments, according to the University of Kentucky Career Center website. Juniors and seniors obtain interviews for valuable internships and full-time jobs through contacts made at such showcases.

“Tell me what event is more important to what students are actually doing here at UK,” Jones said. “This is the event. It’s the showcase of all showcases.”

The first day of the showcase emphasizes career opportunities for students focusing on technical fields, such as engineering, computer science and construction. The following day highlights opportunities for students interested in non-technical fields, such as communication, management and accounting.