Winter break is fast approaching, but for many students it’s not a time to neglect preparing for future career and internship plans.

More than 65 central Iowa companies will be present at the Regents’ Universities Central Iowa Job Fair on Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Polk County Convention Center in Downtown Des Moines. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is sponsored by Iowa State University, the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa.

Julie Larson, director of Student and Career Programs for the ISU Alumni Association, said admission to the job fair is free for ISU students and alumni.

“I think there could be more opportunity to talk one-on-one with employers than other career fairs,” Larson said. She said she doesn’t expect this job fair to be as crowded as other fairs held during the school year.

Laurie Karns, assistant director of Career Services, said the time of the Regents’ Universities Central Iowa Job Fair is convenient because other activities, including finals, are over.

“Any time is a good time to pass out resumes and see people,” Karns said.

Larson also said attending the job fair during the winter break is wise because more positions may be available.

In addition, Larson said the Regents’ Universities Central Iowa Job Fair will offer workshops about interviewing, writing resumes and networking.

“Each workshop will be held twice between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.,” Larson said.

To prepare for the job fair, Larson advised students to bring copies of their resumes to pass out to employers and to dress professionally.

According to Career Opportunities News, students should prepare a 45-second summary about themselves, have questions for employers and learn before the career fair which employers will be present.

For a full list of companies and organizations participating in the Regents’ Universities Central Iowa Job Fair, contact the ISU Alumni Association.