Representatives from more than 25 companies welcomed students to Metcalf Hall in the George Sherman Union yesterday for Career Fest 2002, a two-day event sponsored by the BU Office of Career Services.

Students dropped off résumés, picked up applications and chatted with executives from companies and organizations ranging from Teach for America to the Peace Corps to American Express Financial Advisers.

Mellon Financial, Rexel, Walgreen’s, Raytheon and General Dynamics were among the busiest booths, according to Deborah Halliday, assistant director of BU’s Office of Career Services. Students lined up to meet with representatives of the five companies for the duration of the fair yesterday, she said.

“It’s an opportunity for students to get in touch with employers, find out what employers are looking for and make connections that may lead to greater job opportunities,” said Peter Waelsch, a career counselor at the Career Services office.

Waelsch claimed the current faltering economy necessitates a more creative approach to job searching, adding networking is the key to landing a solid job. Career fairs are an effective way of pursuing career opportunities because “the more chances to meet and network with people, and the more personalized the approach, the more successful the job search will be,” he said.

Walgreen’s District Manager Steve Trask said many of the companies were looking for “good organizational skills, good communication skills, leadership ability, understanding of time management, motivation and the ability to motivate other people.”

Halliday deemed the event a success. Most students arrived with résumés in hand and had researched the companies in advance, she said.

“It would be great if every student walked out of here with a job, but of course this isn’t possible, so hopefully everyone will gain from the experience of meeting with company representatives and making connections,” Halliday said.

Many BU students were fairly critical of Career Fest 2002, complaining particularly about the small size of the event.

“[The fair] was not very good in terms of having a lot of companies for a variety of different majors,” said Sameer Bhalla, a School of Management senior. “I don’t know what the Career Services does, or what they’re doing to get employers here, but it doesn’t seem to be working.”

“I wish there were more companies here,” said SMG senior Stephanie Bradbury. “The selection is very limited … it could’ve been better.”

Waelsch said the small size of the Career Fest this year is a reflection of the current economy.

“Attendance by organizations and companies at career fairs in general is down this year because of the economy,” Waelsch said.

According to Halliday, about 130 companies and organizations attended BU’s Career Fest last year. The outreach and marketing efforts of the Office of Career Services to attract these organizations increased this year.

“A lot of companies are saying that they are not hiring right now,” Halliday said.

In the face of a declining economy and an epidemic of corporate downsizing, many companies are simply not looking for new employees.

“So many companies are not actively hiring, and not doing job fairs at all” Halliday said. “This is definitely a reflection of the economy.

“What is important is for students to not get discouraged and to keep an open mind,” Halliday said. “When companies start hiring, they really like recent graduates, and this class will be primarily sought after once the economy turns around.”

Halliday also recommended exploring different career options and not being confined to one narrowly defined job.

“Students get stuck because they can’t find that one job they have been picturing,” Halliday said. “They should try something a little different than what they had previously envisioned, and they might be pleasantly surprised.”

Career Fest 2002 will continue today from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Metcalf Hall and is expected to feature 32 different companies and organizations.