With more than 30 businesses and governmental agencies from across the region and throughout the state planning to participate, the University of Maine at Presque Isle is preparing to host its biggest career fair in recent years and expanding the event to include information on attending graduate school. UMPI’s Career, Job & Grad School Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, in the Campus Center.

“Employers participating in our fair will be providing valuable information about careers, job vacancies, management programs, internships, summer jobs, graduate programs and future opportunities,” Nicole Fournier, Director of Career Services and Employer Relations, said. “Most participating organizations have openings they are looking to fill and others are looking for volunteers, which could provide the potential for internship opportunities.”

The Career Fair is a part of an effort to connect employers with University students and to provide the opportunity for undergraduates to meet with prospective employees. Students will be able to learn more about employment possibilities and employer expectations. Some of the employers have or expect to have job openings for full-time, part-time or summer employment as well as internships, and some employers will provide the opportunity for on-site preliminary interviews.

Businesses slated to attend include the Bangor Police Department, DFAS, Irving Woodlands LCC, Life By Design, MMG Insurance, Maine Department of Corrections, Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office of Child & Family Services, Northern Maine General, Pines Health Services, TAMC, and TEMPO. Graduate schools planning to participate include Husson University, the University of Maine, and the University of New England.

While the primary purpose of the fair is to promote employment opportunities, and facilitate the screening and eventual hiring of qualified employees, an additional benefit for employers is the opportunity to promote their products and services. Most employers have ‘giveaways’ and donate items for door prizes that makes the Career Fair a festive and fun event.

The Fair, which is free to employers and attendees, is sponsored by the Career Services Office. For more information about this event, contact Nicole Fournier at 768-9589 or email nicole.l.fournier@maine.edu.