Hundreds of employers will be knocking at Iowa State’s door this week, and the message of career services staff is that students should be ready to respond.

The Engineering Career Fair, scheduled for Tuesday, and the Business/LAS Career Fair, scheduled for Wednesday, are expected to draw a larger turnout of students and employers than previous years.

“When was the last time 170 employers came to your house and sat on your porch and said, ‘Hey, we want to hire some of you guys’?” said Steven Kravinsky, director of career placement for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Wednesday’s upcoming career fair expects 12 to 15 percent more companies than last year; it is the first increase in exhibitors since 2000.

Kravinsky cited the rebounding economy as the source of the increase in businesses at the event. According to the most recent Bureau of Economic Analysis statistics, U.S. GDP for the Second Quarter of 2005 is over $12.3 trillion dollars, up nearly $3 trillion from that point in 2002.

ISU students also contribute to employers’ enthusiasm. Kravinsky said exhibitors are consistently impressed at the university’s career fairs.

“I credit Iowa State’s reputation and the reputation of our students,” Kravinsky said.

“This (Business/LAS) career day is bigger than the comprehensive days of some other Big 12 institutions.”

According to the College of Business Web site, more than 2,350 students are expected to attend the Business/LAS Career Fair.

Kelsey Hedge, co-chairwoman of the engineering career fair’s organizing committee and senior in industrial engineering, also said a large turnout is expected at the engineering fair.

“This year, we have so many companies that they won’t all fit in Hilton. There are over 220 companies, some of which are in Scheman,” Hedge said.

Hedge said she believed that even freshmen could get an internship, a factor which she said could increase the turnout.

Andrew Wylie, senior in economics, said he is ready for Career Day. Although he is planning to attend graduate school rather than enter the workforce, Wylie said he is still concerned about networking with others in his field.

“I still go and enjoy the free stuff, but I’m not immediately concerned about a career, I’m concerned about getting my name out,” Wylie said. “It’s [not like] my natural charm or ability will automatically get me jobs.”

He said he had purchased a suit and matching shoes and a belt, but advised younger students to prepare beyond appearances.

“I would suggest people get their resumes and self-promoting stuff in order – you want to sound and look good,” Wylie said.

Dan Rice, academic adviser for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences said appearance is often the first thing exhibitors notice.

“First impressions are everything. You don’t want to be remembered by potential employers for wearing a pink leisure suit,” Rice said.

He also said underclassmen not yet interested in a job or internship can still do a great deal for their career prospects by attending.

“Employers don’t just come to career days to hire people, but to get their name out,” said Rice. “Come prepared to ask lots of questions, because employment advice is huge.”

Kravinsky urged students preparing for the career day to register and log onto the career management system on the ISU Web site, upload their resume and investigate some of the companies that will be exhibiting.

The Engineering Career Fair is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and the Business/LAS Career Fair is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday.