Montana State University College of Business students exchanged resumes for company business cards with recruiters from companies like Boeing, the FBI and Kiewit to State Farm Insurance, Bridger Peaks Consulting and PricewaterhouseCoopers, who courted students at the College of Business Career Fair, held the first week in October at the MSU-Bozeman campus.

The Montana State University College of Business also hosted its annual Meet the Recruiters and Meet the Accounting Recruiters events, co-sponsored by MSU Career Services on Tuesday, October 2 at the Stadium Club. The evening kicked off at 5 p.m. with a welcome address by Dean Rich Semenik and a brief introduction from company representatives.

More than 40 companies from across the nation were represented at the two events, and company representatives met with nearly 250 students. Representatives from many large companies such as Essilor Laboratories, the largest optical manufacturing company in the world, as well as many local businesses, including PrintingForLess and RightNow Technologies, were available to talk with students about internship and career opportunities.

"The residual effect from the proactive work being done through the Bracken Center for Excellence in Undergraduate Business Education is paying off," stated Linda Ward, Meet the Recruiter event program coordinator. "Grads are e-mailing or calling me about opportunities with their firms, regardless of their position in the company. They are thinking about the College of Business."

The effects were apparent at both fairs. College of Business graduates were present at both the Meet the Recruiters and Meet the Accounting Recruiters events, as company recruiting representatives.

"We are thrilled with employer and student turn-out at this year's Meet the Recruiters and Meet the Accounting Recruiters events," said Susan Dana, Director of the Bracken Center. "Almost 250 students took advantage of these wonderful opportunities to meet employers and apply for internships and jobs. The recruiters I spoke with were impressed by the students and grateful for the chance to speak with them in a comfortable environment. We look forward to hearing about many job offers to students arising from the events!"

Current College of Business students found the experience rewarding and beneficial. Many students attended simply to become acquainted with the different firms, while others actively pursued internships and future employment.

Kile Patrick, a junior in business management said, "There are companies here I would have never considered for an internship, but after visiting with the recruiters it has really expanded my options. I think the Meet the Recruiters night is very beneficial for students. It's nice to have a College of Business recruiting fair that is separate from the university career fair, which can sometimes be a little overwhelming. Having a College of Business Meet the Recruiters night is such a great opportunity for business students to directly connect with employers who want to hire them."

Following the Meet the Recruiters fair, some students made their way up to the 3rd floor of the MSU Stadium Club for the Meet the Accounting Recruiters fair. Similar to a trade show, booths from accounting firms, such as Anderson Zurmuehlen, Deloitte, and KPMG, dotted the room. Colorful company banners enticed students to visit with recruiters.

Christie Johnson, associate professor of accounting, coordinated the accounting event. She was pleased with the turnout. "It was exciting to see the dynamics in a room packed to capacity with students and employers engaged in conversation! Even students just starting their accounting education were pleased to know that it is a great time to be in accounting, especially at MSU, and that they will have many future opportunities available."