Though University of Cincinnati's job fair Wednesday hosted one more company than last year's event, the job opportunities for upcoming graduates aren't as plentiful as in years past.

Tony Dardy, associate director of UC's Career Development Center, said the school had 41 employers this year.

"We're running almost neck and neck in numbers," he said. "We are pretty consistent. But that doesn't mean there are a whole lot of openings. Based on talking to employers, I would say job openings are down."

UC hosted a variety of private companies as well as governmental agencies to connect upcoming graduates with potential employers.

Jamie Schlabach, assistant human resource manager for Steak 'n Shake restaurants, has been coming to the fair for three years to recruit candidates for the company's management development program. In previous years, the company might have hired 20 to 30 people.

"This year, it's definitely fewer," Schlabach said. "Maybe 10 to 15 people. A lot of that is because of the lack of turnover. People are staying in their jobs.

"I think a lot of (companies) still come because they want to keep their name on campus. If you don't come, people forget about you."

Kristina Goetz