Many students use internships and summer jobs to gain experience prior to graduation.

Last week, students attended the Summer Job and Internship Fair in the Rotunda next to the Student Life to find that edge.

Vanguard Photo | Tyler Bradley

Lonnie Orr, communications sophomore, talks with representatives from 100.9 FM, a local ES PN station and the Great Lakes Loons, Midland’s minor league baseball team.

A large turnout of local businesses attended the job fair. Many businesses were looking for particular characteristics in students, such as having a positive attitude or being a hard worker.

Angela Faulkner, a store manager at The Home Depot, said students who could manage themselves well were ideal.

“We’re looking for students with good management of time and skills,” she said.

At the fair  were larger employers such as Target and smaller employers such as Cinderella Inc.

Leah Harlan, accounting freshman, said that she had a positive outlook in being hired by one of the fair’s employers.

“I am trying to get a job and expecting to be successful in my search for a job,” she said.

Brooke Vollmer, chemistry sophomore said she was looking for something to stand out on her resume.

“I’m looking for a job opportunity that gives me experience,” she said.

Representatives from Target said that they were looking to hire graduates for possible full-time positions.

“Interning at Target helped me get real-world experience right away, all while having more fun than I thought work could be,” said Chunee Yan, a merchandise planning intern.

Many businesses at the fair gave students the opportunity to network and build mentoring relationships.

Dean Yurgens, computer information systems senior, said that networking was his main reason for going to the fair.

“I am just looking to talk to perspective employers and network,” he said.

Companies such as University Directory pay students for their sales and summer internship.

Amber Furgunson, regional manager for the company, said there were specific majors that the company would be interested in hiring.

“Typically, we search for all types of majors in marketing or sales,” she said.

Natili Maturen, a representative for Young Professional Network, said the company was looking to hire people who wanted to stay in the Saginaw area.

“We’re looking for students who want to stay and work here, to make a difference in the Saginaw community,” she said.

Summer camps made a fair showing at the fair.

One such camp, Camp Timbers, is a resident camp for boys and girls ages 7 to 16 that aims to offer a fun experience away from parents.

Megan Weitzmann, camp director, said that working at Camp Timbers would give students the chance to meet new people.

“Spending a summer at the camps you will end up working with the most diverse group of people,” she said.