1978 was the last time Bobbie White looked for a job.

White, who has more than 30 years of experience in information technology, human resources, and management, has been unemployed since November. 

“Its time for me to go to work, bills have to be paid,” said White, who was one of many hopefuls attending the Governor’s Job Fair of Mississippi in Meridian on Tuesday.  

The fair, held at the Tommy Dulaney Center at Meridian Community College, allowed employers to connect with students, the unemployed and those wanting a career change. 

Adam Todd, director for the Governor’s Job Fair of Mississippi, said the fair has grown since it was first held four years ago. This year, about 700 job seekers visited 68 employer booths, looking for work. 

“This is shaping up to be our largest event of the year,” Todd said.

Monika Johnson, a pre-med student at the University of West Alabama, came to the fair to survey the job market before she finishes school. She said getting a job in the medical field will help her reach her goal of becoming a physical therapist.

Jeremy Smith, from Sumter County, Alabama is taking education classes at MCC. He said the fair makes it easy to look for work because all the employers are in one place.

“Some people don’t have a form of transportation,” Smith said.

Kasey Norton, a recruiter with Citizens National Bank, said the event allowed her to meet potential applicants, and put faces to names of people she’s talked to. 

Courtney Smith of Tupelo came to the fair not just to look for a job, but also to talk to colleges about furthering his education. He hopes to study nursing. 

“I kind of like helping people and that kind of work,” he said.

After talking to a few potential employers at the fair, White was optimistic, and hoped someone would call her with a job offer.  

“It’s been kind of difficult, but it will all work out,” she said.