HOUGHTON – Automotive Day at Michigan Technological University was just the first of a number of events this month that give students a chance to explore careers and look at the skills they’ll need to compete in the workforce.

Thursday’s event kicked off CareerFEST, which in addition to the Industry Days events includes seminars such as strengthening resumes and preparing for the fall Career Fair on Sept. 27.

There will be nine Industry Days events, representing 71 companies, said Shelley Farrey, coordinator of career development and corporate event promotions. Next week’s Industry Days are devoted to aerospace, construction and building systems, robotics and controls, and energy.

“The intent is to highlight those industries that students have demonstrated interest in, and there’s demonstrated opportunity,” said Sharon Attaway, associate director for employer relations at MTU Career Services. “It’s all driven by recruiters who are excited to hire our students.”

About 250 to 500 students attended last year’s Industry Days events, Farrey said.

Attaway said students benefit from the informal setting.

“They can just engage in conversation, ask thoughtful questions and see how things relate from the classroom to the real world,” she said.

Ganesh Bide, an electrical engineering graduate student who was attending Thursday’s Automotive Day, said students can get to know the employers and the latest technologies.

“People get to know what’s really going in the market right now,” he said.