Students interested in getting one step ahead on after-college plans can attend the Consulting Career Forum on Friday. More than 15 companies will be at the I-Hotel to give students a taste of what consulting jobs have to offer them. The event includes an introduction to consulting, a panel with the various firms and an opportunity to meet employees — similar to a job fair.

“We’ve made improvements in the agenda based on suggestions,” said Sarah Zehr, assistant dean and director of engineering career services and planner for the event.

This forum is a way for students to become acquainted with one of the options they have when their college days come to a close. “A number of students said they better understand the consulting industry,” Zehr said of students who had attended the forum in previous years.

Annetta Culver, director of programs for business career services, said one of the main attractions of the forum is the lunch component. It is especially nice because students have a chance to eat with professionals, Culver said.

Students are seated at a table with employees from firms who rotate among tables throughout the meal. Culver, who participated in planning the event, said this is an opportunity for students to ask any questions they have about consulting in a less intimidating setting.

“After lunch, the students talk with the firms — kind of like a career fair,” Zehr said.

Zehr said the Consulting Career Forum is important because it corrects any misconceptions students have about the profession of consulting. Consulting is very intriguing — it allows individuals to help companies find solutions, Culver said. She added that many consulting firms are searching for good problem solvers and many of the questions asked during the career fair portion do not have set solutions.

Culver said there are different things to do everyday in this career path. “You definitely don’t get bored as a consultant,” she said.

One hundred and fifty students are able to attend the Consulting Career Forum. The forum typically fills to capacity and there is also usually a waiting list, Zehr said.

The event has a formal dress code. “We ask at least business casual, but recommend business professional,” Zehr said.

Some students who attend the Consulting Career Forum get job interviews from it, Zehr said.

Even if students do not get interviews from the Consulting Career Forum, it is the perfect place to network.

“Networking is going to be an important skill no matter what job you have,” Culver said.

The forum is an opportune way to hear about large and small companies. This is a good chance to learn what consulting is all about, Zehr said. It is a good way to “get a day to day idea of what goes on in the industry,” she said.

The Consulting Career Forum is on Friday, Sept. 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the I-Hotel. It is $10 to attend and students must be registered ahead of time.