Students visiting the 2015 University of Maine Career Fair were in high spirits on Wednesday, as hundreds of proactive hopefuls mingled with representatives of various professions and companies amongst the maze of booths set up in the New Balance Student Recreation Center.

It was hard to notice the collars and ties hidden behind coats in the blistering cold Wednesday morning on campus. As students rushed into the Recreation Center they shed their winter layers taking a deep breath. Through that last cold breath, a metamorphosis took place as the bulky and rural looking jackets and boots were stripped away, revealing professional business attire ranging from collared shirts, to fresh-pressed suits. The cold was no longer a factor. It was time to get to business.

Before even entering the main floor where all of the company representatives stood, students noticed an outstretched table where members of the Career Center sat, waiting to help.

“Our main focus is to assist students and alumni in finding a career that they’re passionate about and can be successful in,” graduate assistant Shelby Saucier said.

“Employment is the final goal, but this is also a good chance to build relations with employers within the community.”

With a sign-in sheet for further appointments to work on resumes and information to point students in the right direction, the Career Center enthusiastically handled all student queries.

Walking along the blue tarp covered floor, it was easy to get lost among the rows of booths, as crowds of students dispersed to areas of their choosing, while smiling and listening eagerly to what company representatives had to say. It was easy to notice the small fist-pumps or looks of satisfaction from students as they walked away with what they felt like was a good impression. The feeling of positivity, in general, was something that couldn’t be taken away from the visitors of this event, as there was something for everyone to experience.

Third-year Mechanical Engineering student Jeremiah Henderson was interested in starting his professional experience with an internship for a company like Timbro or Bath Iron Works and was appreciative that the event was being held on campus so that he could talk to the companies in person.

“It’s on campus and it gives students a chance to talk to employers and get some experience,” Henderson said. “I like it.”

The ever-changing mass of students through job booths consisted of pleasant small talk, whispers of anticipation and discussions of experience, as the constant buzz of excitement and nervousness reverberated off the high beams of the Recreation Center’s ceiling. Many company representatives gave their pitches, and spent any spare moments answering questions, while others looked on, awaiting the next passerby within the sea of eager soon-to-be workers.

As the orderly chaos that was the Career Fair continued it’s productive frenzy, graduate student in Civil Engineering, Warren Zubrick stood off to the side, away from the commotion of the center square. Collecting himself and taking a moment to send a text, Zubrick was present in an attempt to obtain an internship.

“I think [the career fair] is probably the best way to meet the recruiters and put a name to a face. That way, when you go to apply, companies can have that recognition,” Zubrick said.

Through this event, Zubrick may be able to accomplish his goal of one day working in the consulting industry.

Even as a second-year student, Grace Marshall was getting involved in the action, as she believes the Career Fair is something to take advantage of.

“I think it’s very helpful. At the very least it gives students an idea of what’s out there,” Marshall said. “I wanted to get a feel for it, because as I get further in my education, I’m going to need to actually start thinking about real world employment,” Marshall said. “It’s nice to scope things out and have more of an idea for next year, when I’ll be saying ‘Hey look, companies, hire me.’”

Students looking for employment aren’t the only ones who agree that the Career Fair has an impact, as Career Center Director Patty Counihan believes that the Career Fair is indeed a valuable experience for all who are interested.

“Yes, employers are here because they want to hire for summer jobs, internships and full-time jobs after graduation, but also it gives students a chance to learn more about career opportunities and the things they might do to prepare between the time they have now and when they graduate,” Counihan said. “We’re hoping as a result of this, students who have never come to the Career Center before will seek us out, because there are a lot of things we can help them with to get ready with before they graduate.”

As the hours of the event got later, the mass of formally dressed students slowly returned back to their winter layers, establishing their old identities before trickling out into the harsh winter winds. This time however, students left with something they had not entered with before: contacts and connections to a profession they’ve waited so long to get started with — a hope for life after the University of Maine.