The University of Mount Olive at Washington held its annual career fair Thursday afternoon at the campus off of U.S. Highway 264.

Thirteen businesses were in attendance Thursday, from noon to 5 p.m., as well as career services and alumni services representatives. A variety of businesses were included, from Food Lion and a local jewelry designer, to law enforcement and Vidant Beaufort Hospital.

Director Lita Ward estimated there to be 40-50 representatives who came out to talk with the public. The career services representatives were on hand to help with interviewing skills and shoring up resumes.

“We just want to make sure we have a plethora of different organizations here for the community, and as well as for our students and alumni,” Ward said. “I wanted to let them know what is out there and what people are actually hiring and give them the opportunity to come to one place. Then, they could reach several different employers in hopes of them maybe finding somewhere that they would be able to find a job.”

Ward said she tried to invite businesses from various surrounding locations, including Bertie, Washington, Martin and Pitt counties, to better meet the needs of potential students and residents. Although some were unable to attend, she said she hopes to have more participants in years to come.

“I reached out to a lot of those vendors, but a lot of them were unable to attend because of the timing,” Ward said. “I wanted to make sure we weren’t just reaching out to Beaufort County because our students are based out of eastern North Carolina.”

The University of Mount Olive at Washington is geared mostly toward adults who are looking to better themselves and move up in their careers. Ward said she wants people to know the college is here and ready to answer questions for anyone thinking of taking next steps in the workforce.

“I’m hoping the next one that we have that we’ll be able to hit all the counties that are surrounding Beaufort County because we do have students that come from all different areas,” Ward said. “We want to make a connection, as far as us being a higher education institution, with the community. I know that economic development is very important, as well as the economy.”