Connecting College to a New Career

When I entered the workforce after graduating from high school. a person could walk into a company, fill out an application, have an interview, and be hired on the spot. Those days are long gone. Today, getting a job means applying online, posting your resume, and hoping the company contacts you for an interview. Even if you are fortunate enough to get an interview, there is no guarantee of a job offer. Although today's job market has changed, there is something you can always count on: the value of a college education.

It is not unusual for employers to receive fifty or more applications for one job. Having a college degree can prevent your application from going into the "no" pile. Employers value the integrity a college graduate brings to their business. Recently I attended a local chamber workshop teaching job search skills and we were told one of the most frequently asked questions is, "I have 10 years of experience in management but I don't have a degree, why don't employers account for my experience as much as a degree?" The answer by our job coach was, "Because they can." Does that seem fair? No, of course not, but that is just the way it is. If you want to get ahead in life you need to further your education.

That is the reason many of us as adults return to school. Whether we want a promotion at work or want to change careers, obtaining a degree gets us where we want to go. Employers want college graduates who have a variety of skills, including communication, teamwork, strong work ethic and analytical skills. At SU there are always people taking time to talk with students about career choices. Whether it's a panel of experienced professionals taking questions, a human resource representative from a global company sharing interview tips, or a leader in the community giving advice about the value of networking, they all say the same thing: a college degree can help you achieve your goals. Taking time to learn from others is never a waste of time. In fact, it can inspire and motivate us.

Although I take every opportunity to get advice on how to put together a good resume, understanding the importance of excellent interviewing skills, and making the most of career fairs, I am still an adult who has many years of work experience. Sometimes this is a pro and other times it seems like a con. As an experienced player in the game of life it is important to have a positive attitude but at the same time keep things in perspective.

Young or mature, the job market can be a tough place. But if you treat your job search like a class assignment, you will not fail. College has taught us how to plan, research, organize, and reach goals. Before you apply for a position or attend a job fair, do your homework. Visit the company’s web site and gather all the information about it you can find. Look at the company's job openings and clarify what skills they are seeking. What makes you a good fit? Your Career Services Center can help you contact companies that have alumni working there. College alumni are one of your best resources when it comes to learning about companies or considering a career change.

Remember – the purpose of a resume is to get an interview. Once you have done your homework, you can tailor your resume and cover letter. Highlight your job skills that relate to the position you are applying for. When going to a job or business fair prepare your "elevator speech." This is a short commercial where you talk about yourself and your qualifications: Name, major, opportunities you are seeking, experience, skills, what you know about the company, etc. Remember, this is still a professional interview; dress your best, smile, and have questions to ask the employer. Always get the name of the person you spoke with and send them a thank-you note.

Connecting college to new career can be an exciting time of life. Take what you are learning in school and apply it to your future job search. Education and employment is a win-win situation.

Roxanne B