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HBCU Careers Magazine
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Many students come to the Career Center in the last months of their senior year frantic!!!!!! They finally
realize that in several months they will be graduating and must now think about plans after graduation.
Finding a job, in this economy, is not always an easy task. You must start your search before your senior
year of college. The practice of submitting applications to employers, immediately obtaining interviews
and subsequently receiving a job offer has changed. Human Resource professionals get thousands of
applications for very few vacancies. A degree alone will not land you a job in your field, getting a job
requires work and a strategic approach to your efforts. On average it may take from 6 to 9 months to
obtain employment. Outlined below are some strategies which will assist students in their job search.
1. Locate the Career Center on campus.
Visit
the center and become familiar with their
services then develop a career plan. Think
about what type work you would like to
pursue. Where would you like to work;
nonprofit, federal, state, local government,
or the profit sector? If you are not sure
of your career path, speak with a Career
Advisor. There are numerous tools in the
Career Center that can help you develop
your career path therefore, consider doing
a co-op or an internship (paid or unpaid) in
your major field of study. Employers indicate that candidates with relevant work experience are
assets to the organizations and often hire candidates who have made good impressions while
working as interns and/coops.
2. Attend school sponsored Career Fairs.
Most Career Fairs are in the fall and spring and the fair is
an excellent opportunity to talk to recruiters face to face and learn about their organizations and
work environments. Attend the fairs every year. If you locate a position of interest, get to know
the recruiter express your interest in the organization and each time the company is on campus
visit the booth. Additionally, go on line and conduct further research about the company.
3. Develop a list of contacts.
Use networking contacts to determine openings and potential openings.
The best place to start networking is with family and friends, let your contacts know that you are
in the market for employment. Networking opens the doors to many openings that are never
advertised publicly.
Job Search Tips For Students
By: Dorothy B. Wigglesworth
Manager Job Development Services
Office of Career Services
Bowie State University