Stephen F. Austin State University student Dysha Collins, human development and family studies senior from Houston, interacts with a potential employer during the 2017 Spring Teacher Job Fair on the university's campus.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University students had the opportunity to network with more than 125 employers during the Spring Teacher Job Fair, which SFA's Center for Career and Professional Development hosted.

"Attending a career fair helps students in many ways," said Brandi Derouen, assistant director of the CCPD. "As a prospective employee, students get the opportunity to interact with hiring managers from school districts and companies from across Texas as well as Louisiana, Mississippi, Alaska and Arizona."

Dozens of booths highlighting various school districts and career opportunities filled SFA's Norton H.P.E. Complex gym. Derouen said employer participation increased by 4 percent this semester.

"This experience increases awareness of potential school districts and companies students might want to work for and provides students the opportunity to speak with individuals about why they feel they are the best candidate for available positions," Derouen said. "Moreover, attending a career fair can result in the immediate review of your résumé, which can lead to an interview and end with a job offer."

CCPD hosts seven career events in an academic year with five in the fall and two in the spring. The Teacher Job Fair is held twice a year. Career events like these help SFA students practice speaking to potential employers, build their professional network, and learn to articulate their skills and abilities to employers.

For more information about CCPD's career events, visit www.sfasu.edu/ccpd.