"I didn't get tired because I'm used to dealing with kids all day long,'' said Wilkes, a senior from Andalusia, Ala., who will graduate from Auburn University in December.

Wilkes and Forster were among the 144 Auburn and Auburn University Montgomery students who arrived at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center on Tuesday, Oct. 21, for one of two Education Interview Days held each year. They came dressed to impress representatives of 35 school systems who came to the event looking for potential educators. Wilkes and Forster were counting on far more than smart business suits and carefully polished resumes to stand out in the minds of interviewers. They came ready to discuss the experiences gained during their internships. Wilkes worked with sixth graders at Samford Middle School, and Forster, a Hope Hull, Ala., native, worked with third graders at Ogletree Elementary School.

"I wasn't as nervous as I thought I'd be,'' Wilkes said. "The College of Education prepared us well.''

Education Interview Day, hosted by Auburn's Career Development Services, has proven to be an essential resource for Auburn University College of Education students in recent years. By the end of the fall session, 580 interviews had been conducted.

"It gets your face and your name out there,'' Forster said.

Melvin Smith '87, special events coordinator for Career Development Services and three-time College of Education graduate, said many of the school systems represented at the fall event are repeat customers.

"We've got a lot of school systems interested in filling positions,'' Smith said. "It's a very good opportunity for students to come to one location and network. It's one-stop shopping for prospective employers. A lot of Auburn graduates are coming back to recruit.

"We've had some offers made on site in years past.''

Even though many of the students who interviewed expect to graduate in December, Smith said there are a surprising number of positions available before the end of the school year. Retirements, teachers on maternity leave and a high demand for science, math and special education teachers create an abundance of opportunities for upcoming graduates.

While job interviews can be stressful, Education Interview Day was set up in a manner that calmed nerves. The lobby in front of the ballroom used as a hospitality area for employers was decorated with orange and blue balloons, as well as inflatable crayons and apples. During their breaks between interviews, students could retreat to a conference room to prepare themselves for their next meeting or simply relax by watching a large screen TV.

Wilkes and Forster didn't have time for lounging or for TV viewing. Both students completed 10 job interviews, but the schedule didn't seem especially hectic compared to what they've already experienced in a classroom.

 "There aren't any kids,'' Forster said. "You just have to take care of yourself today.''

The next Education Interview Day is scheduled for March 3, 2009 at The Hotel at Auburn University.  Students and potential employers can find more information online at http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/undergrad_studies/career/events/.