Tips on securing a job after graduation
Transitioning from college classes to a career in the
professional world can be intimidating.
Preparing for the interview and finding the right job is a
process that should start as early as freshman year, said Bill
Shuster, assistant director of career services in the College of
Business.
“Ideally, they should start looking the first day they get
here,” Shuster said.
For students who are not sure where to start, the tips below can
help in the search for the perfect job.
Get the experience
Ann Malen, director of the Career Center, said internships are a
great way to gain experience and expand a resume.
“It gives the students a chance to see what is really involved
in their career,” Malen said.
She also said it is very common for companies to hire past
interns when a job becomes available.
For students who have not had internship experience and are
graduating this spring, Malen suggests meeting with a career
counselor at the Career Center as soon as possible to discuss
alternative ways to expand their resume.
Internships are not required for mechanical engineering
students, but are greatly encouraged, said Vicki Jensen, academic
adviser in the engineering college.
The yearlong senior design projects help engineering students
acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for their careers,
because the projects are so similar to their future job, Jensen
said.
“It’s a smoother transition from academics into their careers,”
she said.
Do your homework
Taking the time to know a position’s history and background is
an important factor in matching the right job with a student’s
qualifications, Malen said. This will develop a strategy for the
interviewing process.
“They have to take the time to figure out how to sell
themselves,” she said.
Shuster said networking is a good step to being more comfortable
with a career choice and can also lead to job placement.
“Well over 60 percent of (business) students get jobs through
networking,” Schuster said.
Confidence in the interview
Students knowing their interests, values and abilities when
going into the interview is an important part of building
confidence, Shuster said.
“Make sure you know what you can take to the table,” he said.
“Know what you like and don’t like and what will be a good fit for
you.”
For more information on finding a job and career opportunities
in your major, call the Career Center at 491-5707 or visit its Web
site at career.colostate.edu.
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