On Tuesday, representatives from almost 100 organizations met with students interested in social work, at the School of Social Service Career and Practicum Fair.

Students and representatives crowded the Saint Louis Room of the Busch Memorial Center almost beyond its capacity.

The agencies offered a variety of full-time jobs, part-time jobs and practicums.

A practicum is an internship opportunity in social service that allows students to apply the skills they learn in class to a job in their field. Students are required to participate in a practicum if they are majoring in social work.

The fair also provided students with the opportunity to find part-time or full-time jobs in the social work field. Approximately, 200 students attended.

Annie Philipps, a junior majoring in social work, said, “It was very exciting because I was able to come up with quite a few places that are willing to hire students in the summer. It was also a great opportunity for me to help make a decision about my practicum for next year.”

The agencies also benefited from the fair.

Career Development Coordin-ator Susan Gale said, “The relationship between the agencies and Saint Louis University is very mutual. The organization benefits from having another set of professional hands, and they offer practicum experience and job opportunities to students.”

The 97 organizations that attended the fair came from all the helping professions.

Saint Louis University Hospital, St. Louis Public Schools, the National Association of Social Workers and the Division of Family Services were some of the organizations that were there.

Part of the reason for the large number of agencies in attendance is the success of past SLU graduates.

Tamitha Price, executive director of the Missouri Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, said, “Graduates from SLU have been good ambassadors for the school. Employers now want to come in and be a part of this event.”