Ahhhh, fourth year. The top rung of the collegiate social ladder; pinnacle of days spent studying too much and nights passed partying too hard. But for the Class of 2001, this epoch of life at the University will soon pass, leaving them stranded in a scary parallel universe otherwise known as "the real world."
It's time to find a job.
Step 1: Choose a career goal.
There exist a lucky few who have been focused on one career goal for the past four years. Many students, however, have switched majors and changed activities so often it is hard to paint a cohesive picture of which career would suit them.
Slone Akos, Recruiting Coordinator for University Career Service (UCS), advises students to "keep an open mind about all the different opportunities out there."
These opportunities include the nearly 500 potential employers who conduct on-Grounds recruiting at the University each year. Common participants include large firms, regional businesses, government agencies and educational organizations.
These employers recruit on Grounds because they have a large number of entry-level positions to fill. Other fields, such as journalism or advertising, have fewer positions to fill and generally do not recruit at universities. Therefore UCS counsels students to research other opportunities, for the majority of College students do not find their jobs through on-Grounds interviewing.
For students who have researched all options and still are bewildered, there is help available at UCS. There are counselors on hand for 15-minute sessions at their new Bryant Hall office from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. More extensive advice can be given by appointment.
It is important not to become overwhelmed by the concept of choosing a lifelong occupation. Changing jobs, and even careers, is a fact of life in the current job market. By choosing incorrectly now, one is not doomed to 50 years in an unfulfilling job.
Former Wahoo Tom Mangas (CLAS 1990), hair care category director for Procter & Gamble, says, "you don't have to know what you want to do when you grow up. I still don't know."
"It is most important to choose an employer who will develop your skills," he added.
Step 2: Hone your resum
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