On the day before a winter nor’easter was expected to blow into Rhode Island, more than 300 Bishop Hendricken students were already thinking about the summer.

The students had the chance to meet and apply for summer jobs with local businesses. In total, about 30 businesses set up tables in the cafeteria after school on Tuesday, offering a variety of opportunities that will be available during the summer.

For Nick Chihlas, a Bishop Hendricken senior, the job fair was a convenient way to scout out what jobs are available when school lets out. Being able to talk with so many potential employers in one place “gives you a leg up” when it comes to applying for and getting a job.

The cafeteria hummed with activity as Chihlas walked through the various offerings, ultimately putting his name in for jobs at Stop & Shop, Launch, and Cardi’s.

Benjamin Hrovat was also among the students hoping to land a summer job or paid internship. The junior is interested in pursuing a career in corporate law, investment banking, or petroleum engineering and spoke with a number of employers about potential opportunities that he could pursue.

Chihlas and Hrovat had plenty of employers to choose from – from restaurants and retail stores to the City of Warwick, the state Department of Environmental Management and the Pawtucket Red Sox were all represented.

Employers were equally excited about working with the Hendricken students. Susan Stenhouse, director of partnership development and community outreach at Mulligan’s Island in Cranston, said that the students have been tremendous workers at the golf and events center. “They’ve been an incredible part of our team,” Stenhouse said of the Hendricken students.

This is the second year Bishop Hendricken has held the student job fair. Last year’s job fair attracted 20 employers, and its success enticed a larger number of employers to attend this year.

Peter Thomas, Hendricken’s director of institutional advancement, said summer jobs are great opportunities for students to earn money over the summer and enhance their college applications. Bringing employers together at the school makes it easier for students to connect with potential employers.

With the increased number of students and employers who attended Tuesday’s job fair, Thomas hopes to expand the event to a larger space - possibly the gymnasium - next year.