“It is a big jumping post for a lot of people,” he said. “It’s based on your own passion and your own pursuit of where you want to work and what you want to do.”

The gallery, in its sixth year, was devoted Wednesday to science, technology and engineering fields focusing on scientific innovation to reestablish Michigan’s future, Motschenbacher said. The gallery’s business exchange, consisting of more companies and nonprofit organizations, takes place from 2-6 p.m. today in Breslin Center.

Motschenbacher estimated about 2,200 people showed up Wednesday and expected more to attend today.

Reagan Craven, Whirlpool senior manager of U.S. campus relations, said Whirlpool provides opportunities for students to gain experience at a professional level.

“We love the fact that we’re a Michigan-based company,” she said. “We find a lot of loyalty from MSU students, so it’s a good culture fit.”

Mechanical engineering senior Matthew Wolfe said he has attended the career gallery a few times and found it a great opportunity to touch base with potential employers.

“It gives us relevant experience in many different aspects and ultimately gives us values we will maintain throughout our lifetime,” he said.

A number of companies at the gallery have been recruiting MSU students for years, including Omaha, Neb.-based Union Pacific Railroad.

Union Pacific Railroad Assistant Vice President of Compensation and Benefits Ed Willis said the company has been coming to MSU for 10 years and always finds students to fill positions.

“MSU has a great education facility that trains students to be innovative,” he said. “We find they’re not afraid to work hard.”

Motschenbacher said many students come to the career gallery to see what the outcome of their education might be.

“There’s a lot of opportunity,” Motschenbacher said. “For this event, it’s a gallery of opportunities.”