Graduation brings seniors to real world
By Brenna Nibbe, Danielle Nobbs and Jenna Palan/Contributing Writers
With SCSU commencement ceremonies quickly approaching, many seniors are looking forward to graduation and life thereafter with feelings of anticipation, relief and uncertainty. The apprehension of graduation often includes finding a job, paying off student loans, relocation and the tight job market.
"I'm nervous about finding a job that fits into the type of schedule I want," Liz Blondeau, a senior sociology major at SCSU, said.
For some students, finding a job after graduation is not quite so stressful.
Dave Walters, a criminal justice major, has already been offered a job.
"It's awesome because I already have a job lined up through Police Corps," Walters said. "All my friends are nervous and stressing out, because they still have to find jobs and I don't."
For students, the search for a career begins well before graduation. Internships provide necessary on-the-job experience before students are fully exposed to today's job market. Many times, internships lead to full-time positions.
Resources at Career Services can make the overwhelming process of finding the right internship a little easier. In addition, some departments offer assistance in internship placement as well.
Krista Steadman, a mass communications major, has been successful in her internship search and is excited to be gaining experience.
"My options are with two companies," Steadman said. "One in the cities for a bottled water company and the other in town for a billboard advertising company. Both are great opportunities."
The older methods of door-to-door job searching and looking through want ads are quickly being replaced by online services. Using the valuable resources at Career Services, students and alumni are given the opportunity to explore the job market prior to and after graduation. Many students prefer to post their resume online, and Career Services offers a web site for SCSU students and alumni to post their resumes and conduct on-line job searching.
When companies hire new graduates, they look for students who have had a variety of experiences. These include internships, organizational involvement and portfolios.
"Making connections to opportunities in the world of work means pulling together all your experiences and educational development," said Addie Turkowski, director of Career Services.
"Students should be career connected early in their freshman year," Turkowski added. "Being aware and curious about opportunities and what the future holds is important."
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