"Start Here . . . Go Anywhere" is the theme of this year's annual Career Fair and with over 80 organizations attending, that possibility certainly exists.

Scheduled for Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport & Wellness, the Career Fair is venturing away from the University Hall Atrium for the first time ever.

Students, graduates, staff and faculty of the University of Lethbridge, as well as members of the community, Lethbridge College and surrounding areas are all welcome to take part in the Career Fair, with admission free of charge.

"The Career Fair is an opportunity for students to explore careers and gain information that can help them make solid career decisions," Pat Tanaka, director of Career and Employment Services says.

Aside from hosting Career Fair, Career and Employment Services (CES) offers job search-related help for students and graduates of the University.

With the state of the economy, one might think that employers have stopped looking for new employees but that couldn't be further from the truth. Instead, they are looking towards succession planning by continuing to hire new graduates.

"Employers are not at a standstill by any means," says Tanaka. "We hope students attending the Career Fair will gather ideas, learn about options available to them once they complete their degree, and begin establishing methods of pursuing these options."

The theme, "Start Here . . . Go Anywhere" is intended to give students a positive and encouraging outlook on their future careers.

"Students start their career journey at the University, exploring options and disciplines while gaining skills and being exposed to new ideas and concepts," Tanaka says. "Through the Career Fair we also encourage them to start building relationships with people in their field of interest.

"We want students to know what with the right preparation and motivation they can 'Go Anywhere' – whether it is around the world or just around the corner, the possibilities are endless!"

Of the 80 organizations scheduled to attend Career Fair, newcomers such as Canadian Hydro, Swap - the Adventure Travel Company, Lethbridge Community Network and Nerds On Site will be on hand. Also attending are some 20-year veterans of the event, including: Alberta Employment and Immigration, ATB Financial and Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre.
For a complete list of participants visit www.uleth.ca/ross/ces

GET THE FACTS

• Career Fair 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of Career and Employment Services organizing career events on campus.

• A showcase of artwork designed for previous career fairs will be on display.

• The Career Fair game "Sign Post-it" will debut. Designed to facilitate interaction between employers and attendees, the person who collects the most signposts has a chance to win a Nintendo Wii.

• CES is in need of volunteers for Career Fair 2009. E-mail ces.volunteers@uleth.ca or visit B610 if you are interested.