Daily Egyptian
Fall '03 Edition
Career Services specialist advises graduates to focus for job market
Leah Williams
Daily EgyptianOnce he has walked through the procession during Saturday's graduating ceremonies, Tom Brink said he is moving to California.
"I would like to preferably work in an advertising agency, but I could also work in brand management," said Brink, who will be completing his master's in business administration. "I want to work anywhere in California, just as long as there is no snow."
Though Brink does know where he wants to begin his career, his academic studies have prevented him from applying.
SIUC's Career Services reminds Brink and others graduating to prepare themselves for the working world. Career Services specialist Beverly Robbins advised the approaching graduates to focus on what they would like to achieve.
"Students need to focus on career goals and decide what kind of job they are looking for," Robbins said.
One of the first processes in landing a job is developing a resume. Career Services will critique resumes to make sure students are sending out accurate and informational copies. Robbins said a cover letter should be generic so it could be adjusted according to the job the person is being interviewed for.
Robbins also said in today's technological world, graduating students should utilize all media sources available to them. Career Services' online job search program, called the Saluki Recruit, allows students to post resumes on the Internet. They could apply to the jobs listed or have employers review their resume.
Robbins also encourages students to use other job search websites, such as monster.com and hotjobs.com, in order to find opportunities outside Southern Illinois.
"Using some of the bigger electronic job search programs will give you an idea of what the job market is away from your own little geographic area," she said. "With the professional sites, you can find more opportunities in California, Minnesota or wherever you would like to go."
She said another good way to find a job is networking.
"Most people do not get the job because of some classified ads," Robbins said. "They get it because of some networking. They know somebody who knows somebody in the field, so you need to let everyone you know that you are looking for a job and are available. You never know who may know of a job that is of interest to you."
When it comes to the interviewing process, Robbins said preparation is key. Students could log on to the Career Services website and view potential questions an interviewer may ask. Career Services also provides mock interviews, so students can get a better idea of how to act during an interview. Students should also research the company they want to work for before meeting with the employers. Newspapers, trade magazines and websites are just some of the examples they should use in researching careers.
Though the job market is very competitive, Robbins said those graduating must be patient and persistent when it comes to looking for work.
"It will take a lot of work to be able to find a job," she said. "Sending your resume out is step one. The follow-up is just as important. Once you send a resume out, you need to give them five days and call the employer and ask, 'Did you get my resume? Is there any other information I could provide you? When will you be giving interviews? Can we set up an interview time right now?'"
Robbins said she mostly encourages graduating students to plan accordingly before they enter their careers.
"My best advice is to prepare yourself as much as you can for the job market," Robbins said. "Be knowledgeable about the field and be knowledgeable about the companies you are applying to."
While Brink will find out for himself the transition from college student to college graduate, he said overall he has had a memorable time at SIUC.
"I have enjoyed my classes and professors," he said. "I enjoyed meeting new people. By in large, if I had to choose, I would say that I have had a positive experience."
Graduation ceremony for undergraduates is Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in the Arena. Graduate students' ceremony is 1:30 p.m.
Leah Williams can be reached at: lwilliams@dailyegyptian.com
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