By Kirby Deal
Staff Writer
As college students, we have all heard horror stories about becoming a “struggling college student.” Like many of my friends, I have never given this term much thought. I was stuck in my own personal universe thinking that when I got to college I would easily find a part-time job, finish my degree, and effortlessly transition into “the real world” – getting the job of my dreams. However – with the economy spiraling out of control as it is – I have heard from numerous people that my ingenious plan for my future is doomed to fail. It is only now that I am beginning to believe that throughout my college career I will be leading the life of a “struggling college student.”
Most of us have been conditioned from an early age to believe that if we went to college and got a degree, we would have no difficulty finding a job. However, according to the Boston Herald, the U.S. Department of Labor has collected data that proves the recession is having a worse effect on college graduates than high school dropouts. The report shows that, on average, the number of jobless college graduates is thirty-seven percent higher than the number of jobless high school dropouts. It is appalling to think that my achievement for higher education can no longer secure a position in the work force. After all, if my college degree can’t get me a job in society, what can?
It is astounding to look around and see the effect that the recession and the high number of job losses has had on everyone in the country, but specifically college students. I have asked many different people what their job seeking experience has been like in the past few months. I have received a few different answers, but the most common answer is, “I can’t find a job.” This has given me a new insight into the reality that is known to every college student and graduate looking for a job. I can only hope that sooner rather than later the economy will take a sharp turn in the right direction and end the struggle that my fellow students and I are facing in regard to the work force.
[...] 2, 2009 by The New Exponent This entry is in response to College students struggling for jobs, posted Dec. 1st, [...]
Dear Struggling College Student,
I enjoyed reading your article and I would like to offer some advice to all “Struggling College Students”. First, a college degree will provide you with many opportunities. It gives you tools that will help you land your first job. For many students, the college experience is a time to grow and develop as an individual and explore new interests. Next, what is the magic formula for landing a job? There isn’t one but you can make yourself more marketable to an employer. I have listed a few suggestions below.
1. Make sure your resume is in order and professional. Have you had your resume reviewed by another person? Is your resume easy to read? Would your resume catch the attention of a prospective employer in 15 seconds or less?
2. Obtain experience before you graduate. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, “…19.7 percent of the Class of 2009 who had applied for jobs had one by the end of April. In contrast, 23 percent of graduates with an internship under their belt had a job in hand by the end of April. For those [students] who didn’t do an internship, the job market was especially unwelcoming: just 14 percent of those [students] who hadn’t been interns landed jobs as of April.”
3. Be involved! Gain leadership experience on campus through student activities and organizations.
4. Network! Network! Network! My advice would be to network with other professionals in your field of interest. Personally, I would feel more confident hiring an individual who is known by others in the field and has gained a basic understanding of the field through internships, informational interviews, and job shadowing.
5. Be creative. In a bad economy, a job seeker must be creative with his or her job search. The traditional method of online job hunting and reading the employment section of the newspaper does not guarantee a job. A job seeker must be willing to reach out to his/her professional network, attend job fairs, follow up on job leads, make cold calls and personal visits, prepare a portfolio showcasing his/her accomplishments, and much more. Every interaction with an employer is significant. The goal is to have as many positive encounters with an employer as possible. Networking and creativity do pay off but the timeframe could be short term or long term. So don’t become discouraged if your email or phone call doesn’t result in a job or interview immediately. Your efforts will be rewarded over time.
Good luck!
Sincerely,
The Office of Career Development at TWC