Professional student organizations like the National Society of Collegiate Scholars are participating in Activities Fair at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today in hopes of persuading members of the UTA community to join. The fair will take place in the University Center Palo Duro Lounge. In uncertain economic conditions, some students said it is essential for them to find common ground and build relationships that may be useful when looking for employment.

Finance senior Matthew Watabe said there are benefits in networking. Meeting people will help out with future jobs and build friendships with other students, he said. The fair can help.

“Someone told me the best investment is always in people, not stocks or bonds,” Watabe said. “It’s not always what you know, but who you know.”

Watabe said he has not had any problems with networking, but he can see how it could be difficult. He said students who have jobs could find it hard to meet others because UTA is a commuter school.

Having a big network does not automatically mean a person will land the job. One can have the best recommendations and still not obtain the job, marketing senior Daniel St. John said.

St. John said he learned hygiene and choice of clothing are important for a first impression.

Rebecca Neilson, Graduate Services director at the College of Business, said people should put an effort into the way they look and have the best possible attitude.

“Study up on the company, show interest in the organization, avoid having evasive eye movement and have a good firm handshake,” Neilson said.

The number of professional student organizations was not known at press time when The Shorthorn asked yesterday.