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The event also attracted several job seekersm, too. The Western New York Association of College Career Centers organized the three-hour event.
Those attending the job fair included Ben Guilford of Syracuse, a graduate student at the University at Buffalo (UB), who knows what he's hoping to secure.
"I'm looking for any company that will focus on overseas markets, and any company that deals with a lot of public policy," Guilford says.
Another student, Josh Wohlfeld, a senior at UB, just wanted to make contact with some area companies.
"... try to see any potential internship opportunities or job opportunities after graduation," says Wohlfeld, a Rochester native.
But what about the job market? Are the opportunities available? An official with a local website that caters to job seekers says the positions are out there.
Doug Bamrick, an account representative with WNYjobs.com, says a lot of companies don't do their hiring in the fourth quarter, but things can change with the start of a new year.
"Typically, at the beginning of a year, like right now, just even seeing it ourselves in the last couple weeks, a dramatic uptick in the amount of advertisements from companies who are looking to hire right away at the beginning of this quarter," Bamrick says.
He believes the job market is better than people think.
The event program included some tips for successful networking and job searching:
PREPARE A SHORT INTRODUCTION -- include your name, major, skills, and area of interest.
DEMONSTRATE PROFESSIONALISM -- be patient and polite; you may have to wait to speak with a recruiter.
USE YOUR TIME WELL -- practice good time management (allocate your time wisely) and create realistic goals.
NEXT STEPS -- after speaking with a recruiter, ask them about the next steps (this includes getting their business card). Will they be conducting on campus interviews? Should you apply for the position(s) online or by email?
TAKE NOTES -- jot down notes about the conversation
FOLLOW UP -- send a thank you note or email to each recruiter, express your appreciation of their time, and interest in the organization / position and let them know you're available for any questions.
ENGAGE IN NEXT STEPS -- apply online, sign up for on-campus interviews, email materials and/or follow the recommendations the recruiters offered during your conversation.