“Michigan’s economy is a little jaded,” Homberg said. “But I’m happy about this year’s fair. We have a lot of good companies.”

The fair was held from 5-8 p.m. in the Kellogg Center and featured more than 60 agencies from across the state.

“We will have a more confident approach (next year) to what companies are hiring,” Homberg said.

Criminal justice senior Alex Echols said she attended the fair to find a job after graduation in May. Still, many agencies at the event told Echols they weren’t hiring.

“I’ve handed out a few résumés,” Echols said. “My job search was affected by (the lack of) some booths.”
Although present at the even many companies currently are not hiring because of the economy.

Larry Sparkes, of the East Lansing Police Department, said the economy has affected job openings as well as the number of positions available in the department.

The department currently is down nine positions after people left and their positions were not filled, Sparkes said.

“We’re not hiring but we want to get our name out there,” Sparkes said.

Criminal justice freshman Alaina DeMarco felt the same about the smaller field of opportunity.

“I wish there were more people here representing,” DeMarco said.

The career fair has received less attendance from agencies out of state than in past years. In its peak year, last year, the fair had participantsfrom across the nation including five from Texas, Homberg said.

Some companies at the event were offering jobs and internships, including Aegis Bleu, an East Lansing-based company.

“We have a couple positions open,” Aegis Bleu President Daniel Young said. “Our second goal is to promote a new product.”

Young said he used the career fair to look for employees as well as advertise.

This year, the fair is more locally based. Agencies at Wednesday’s fair offered internships and volunteer and job opportunities, Homberg said.

“Our field is different,” Homberg said. “Students don’t come to get a job, but to make connections.”