What comes next?
Job market improving, many find jobs
By Alexis Randles, Contributing Writer
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
I know that college is supposed to be the time of our lives. Most of us have few financial responsibilities other than our cell phone bills and the cover charge at clubs and parties
But have you ever wondered what comes next? Since childhood, it has been ingrained in most of our minds that education, simply stated, is the key to success. However, as most Central State graduates prepare for commencement, many are wondering what exactly comes after college.
Some students are hoping to land their dream job. So am I. My concern though, is how do you get that dream job? You get it by visiting Career Services, attending Communication Week, and responding to flyers posted on campus. Many students do none of these things.
I have heard nearly all of the excuses, because I have used a few myself in the past. “I keep missing the flyers,” you might say. Or “I still have two more years. left in school. Why do I have to worry about a job now?”
As students, we have to become aware of all the resources available on campus and then take advantage of them. The good news for most students is that the 2005 job market has improved in comparison to recent years, with companies hiring more college graduates for entry level jobs.
The bad news is that the job market is more competitive than ever. Most students are competing with hundred of applicants to land a job.
Career Services Director Lesa Taylor DeVond said that roughly 50 percent of all graduating seniors have landed jobs.
Senior Nelson Hunter has accepted a job with the Children’s YMCA in Hong Kong. Hunter said Central prepared him well for work, but he also relied on his own determination. “You gotta help yourself,” he said.
Senior Ericka French is taking a pass on the job market for now. She’s planning to attend graduate school in accounting. “I feel I’m not as prepared for the accounting field. I want to further my education,” French said. DeVond said many of the students who have found jobs worked with Career Services. She is disappointed that more students don’t use the Center.
“I wish more students would participate in the Career Services Center, but unfortunately only half the seniors utilize it, while only one-third of underclassmen do,” DeVond said.
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