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SALEM, Ore. - The 2016 Diversity Career Symposium, a day-long career development event for college students and alumni who identify with communities that are traditionally underrepresented in professional settings, will be held Friday, Jan. 29 at the Salem Convention Center.

The event, hosted by Oregon State University and the University of Oregon, is geared toward students and alumni of color; military veterans; those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender; and those with disabilities.

"Preparing students for their future is mission critical for our state universities. By working together for the benefit of our students, Oregon State University and the University of Oregon can provide the right opportunities for professional development with the end goal of getting a job or an internship," said Pamela Knowles, executive director for industry relations at OSU.

"The Diversity Career Symposium will not only offer this opportunity to students but also will allow employers to be a part of developing young professionals through workshops and placement."

Participants will have an opportunity to attend workshops on networking and job searching and listen to panels of industry experts in fields such as health care, energy and sustainability, and business entrepreneurship and startups.

Keynote speaker Jaymin Patel will open the event with a presentation on "Networking Like a Rock Star." Patel is the author of several books on job searching, interviewing and networking aimed specifically at college students and recent graduates.

Intel is the presenting sponsor of the event. More than 70 other employers, including Adidas, Providence Health and Services, Portland General Electric, Wells Fargo and Apple, Inc., are expected to participate. The event also will include workshops and panels geared to employers.

The free symposium runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St. S.E. Advance registration is required; to register, visit www.dcs16.com. Free transportation from each campus will be available to registered students.