For Chris Carlson, the Career Gallery 2001 was more than an impressive display of companies - it was the opportunity of a lifetime.

“This is definitely the best way to implement my degree and get involved in my industry,” said Carlson, a human nutrition graduate student. “I’m trying to see what companies are out there and this will help me get ahead in the corporate world.”

Carlson was one of about 4,000 students who got the chance to browse among more than 170 companies represented in the 22nd annual event at Breslin Center on Thursday. The event was hosted by the Lear Corporation Career Services Center.

Companies from all over the nation set up information booths and some made presentations.

“This is a great partnership we have with the Breslin Center, and it speaks volumes about the caliber of students,” said Vern Mason, assistant director of the Lear Center. “The strong representation also show that businesses are literally going about their business even at this time of tragedy.”

Mason said he was impressed by how professional the majority of students were when he looked around to see that most of them were dressed formally.

Some students submitted résumés, while others had interviews with potential employers. Some simply came to the gallery to learn more about the companies.

“This provides networking opportunities for full-time positions and internships in such a large scale,” said Kris Davis, a recruiting assistant who organized the event. “To get all these companies under one roof is a big feat. Just think how great it would be to hit 173 companies with your résumé.”

Davis said most companies represented at the gallery were invited because they had participated in this and other MSU events in the past.

Although last year’s representation was greater, Davis said she still felt good about the turnout because of the current travel and economic issues. She said the companies always give feedback on student participation, and some of them end up getting hired.

Quicken Loans, a mortgage banking company in Livonia, is an example of strong MSU recruitment.

“Our CEO and manager graduated from MSU, and we’re always hiring creative and innovative Spartans,” said Jennifer Leverenz, a human resources representative for the company.