Story Created: Apr 29, 2014 at 5:52 PM EDT

Story Updated: Apr 29, 2014 at 5:52 PM EDT

(WKTV) - Substitute teacher Natalie Williams came to the Nano Utica Job Fair looking for something more permanent. She also wanted to see what all the buzz was about, after hearing people say nanotechnology would transform the Utica area into the Silicon Valley of New York.

Williams came up with an interesting analogy of her own.

"I haven't personally been on a speed date but in my mind it seems kind of like that," said Williams.

"I'm a teacher. A biology teacher, chemistry teacher ... and I don't know if you've noticed but there aren't too many jobs in that field. With that skill set, I can go in a lot of different directions ... so I'm looking to see what the options are."

Not everyone at the Nano Utica Job Fair had a background or skills in science or engineering.

"I'm looking for a security position ... security guard, security supervisor. It's what I have the most experience in, so..." said job seeker Clarence Chester.

Chester illustrates something Nano Utica officials say it's important to convey: They need professionals from all disciplines to make Quad C-the Computer Chip Commercialization Center at SUNYIT a success.

Local elected leaders were thrilled at the overwhelming response to the job fair.

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Nano Utica job fair draws thousands