More than 6,000 students made their way to Hilton Coliseum Wednesday for Business and Liberal Arts and Sciences Career Day.

About 200 companies were there to chat with students about internships and full-time job possibilities, said Heather Johnson Huntley, Career Day adviser.

“We thought there might be more [students] this year, and there is,” she said.

Huntley said some of the companies were unable to make it this year due to travel restrictions placed after the Sept. 11 attacks.

“The terrorism has affected us also,” she said.

Students of all ages came out for the event. Jeri Scott, operations personnel recruiter for Menards, said she visited with freshmen through seniors.

“[For seniors] this is the time,” Scott said. “It’s good to see the freshmen, too. It’s nice the school is encouraging students to come early.”

Sarah Kircher, human resource specialist for Four Oaks of Iowa, said it is just as important for interested freshmen to attend as job-seeking seniors.

“I think it’s good for [freshmen] to get information, but for the jobs we have now, it’s not a match,” Kircher said.

“The purpose of being here is to learn.”

Students brought r‚sum‚s, spoke with employers and set up interviews.

“The employers I’ve talked to have been impressed with Iowa State students,” Huntley said. “There are quite a few employers who will set up interviews with students.”

Scott said she agreed the students are impressive.

“Most of the students are very well prepared,” she said. “They are dressed professionally and have r‚sum‚s ready.”

Some students went to learn from the experience.

“[Career Day] gives students the opportunity to get experience talking to professionals,” said Brandee Spratt, senior in family resource management and consumer science. “Going into an interview is intimidating, and this might help to ease the tension a little.”

Jillian Dardi, junior in pre-business, said Career Day isn’t what she expected.

“It’s more relaxed and not as uptight as I thought it was going to be,” she said. “They’re not jumping out at you which is nice. They let you come to them.”

Career Day is beneficial for students and the companies.

“It gets our name out,” Kircher said.

“It lets people know where we are located and what we’re all about.”

Even when Career Day is over, there is still more help available to students, Huntley said. The career services office for business and LAS colleges is in 208 Carver. Career services assists students in writing r‚sum‚s, preparing for interviews and doing general job searches, she said.

Huntley said she believes the connection shouldn’t stop after Career Day is over.

“I think the important thing [for students] is to follow up with the employers they meet,” she said. “It’ll set them apart.”