The opening day of the seventh annual Career Fair drew hundreds of private and public school students to Bermuda College.From the electric plasma globe at Belco’s stall, to a spinning wheel of career choices from Conyers Dill and Pearman, around 80 organisations did their utmost to catch students’ attention.Close to 3,000 students will pass through the two exhibition areas over the two-day event aimed at putting young people on the path to their future working lives. An advisory segment for adults was offered yesterday from 4pm to 6pm, targeting the jobless and those who seek to change careers.The fair’s official opening was strictly directed at students. Those present were urged to be bold, discover their interests, and not to sell themselves short.Economy Minister Kim Wilson, Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith and Youth Minister Glenn Blakeney, plus Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Opposition leader Craig Cannonier attended yesterday’s opening.Sir Richard made a few light remarks. He described work as being “ghastly”, but told students it opens the doors to friendship, respect and expertise.Premier Paula Cox asked students: “Is this just a day out from school, or something constructive and productive that can benefit you?“We are going through challenging economic times, yes. But what do we do knowing that? What are you going to do about it? Are you going to try to owns what happens to you? When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”Event chairman Ralph Richardson recounted meeting a young Bermudian technician who said most of his colleagues were from overseas.“That means we need to get qualified Bermudians in wherever we can,” he said. “That’s what this career fair is for.”Organisers said this year’s fair attracted its largest complement yet from the Island’s private schools.Let loose among the stalls, students met with representatives from international business, the legal and finance sector, healthcare and food services, and utilities and communications.After speaking to registered nurse Donna Wint, Berkeley Institute S3 student Sierra Symonds said she was considering becoming a counsellor.“I’d like to help young adults,” she said. “Counselling really does help children. I think a lot of things go on behind closed doors that people don’t talk about.”The Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation (BSBDC) attracted crowds with free sunglasses and a competition.A fashion show by Maya Furbert, and presentations from the Chewstick Foundation, added to the attractions.The closing hours of the fair today will be directed at adults looking for work, or seeking to step outside their chosen field.They can get advice from human resources workers, as well as the National Training Board, the BSBDC and Bermuda College.