Students and job-seekers can network with numerous local employers and discover what professional career opportunities are available in the Polk County area at the University of South Florida Polytechnic's seventh annual Career Fair Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Lakeland Technology Building. The event is free and open to the public.

Representatives from top Polk County business, non-profit and government organizations are registered to participate in the fair. Local employers say they rely on the annual event to help recruit top talent.

"We look forward to recruiting at USF Polytechnic each year," said Paula Shoman, a professional recruiter for GEICO Direct. "We hire more USF students than probably any other area college or university."

Greg Robinson, HR recruiter with the Polk County Board of County Commissioners, says, "We are seeking to recruit superb talent to meet our employment demands to build a 21st-century workforce. USF Polytechnic is the place to go!"

According to Mary Mittag, director of the USF Polytechnic Career Center, "Sponsoring the Career Fair is one way for us to show students, and the community, that we have an investment in their futures. This is a substantial opportunity to explore employment options with local and national businesses. The professional atmosphere of the fair gives participants the chance to make positive first impressions on company representatives."

Employers scheduled to participate include GEICO, Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Polk County Board of County Commissioners, the Polk County Sheriff's Office ad UPS. A list of participating employers and success tips on attending the Career Fair is available at http://www.poly.usf.edu/careercenter.