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College seniors can thrive in the challenging job market
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Overall entry-level hiring is projected to decrease by eight percent in 2009 over 2008, and new MBA graduates can expect a decrease of 10 percent. Clearly, May graduates face great challenges.
So, what is a graduating senior to do? In a recent interview with Susan Kennedy of Career Treking, she offered six tips for pending graduates.
1. Stay focused. Identify your dream job, but widen your net to include backup plans. Identify the skills you will need for your dream job, and then create job goals that will enable you to develop those skills so that when the market turns around, you will be ready.
For example, someone who wants to obtain a position in pharmaceutical sales will need sales experience, industry knowledge and strong communication and organization skills. So, while this person may target four or five pharmaceutical firms’ sales programs, they may also want to widen their net of job goals to include a customer service position at a pharmaceutical firm or even a job selling insurance.
The goal is to have a plan that is realistic but will also let you develop the skills and experience you will need, as well as obtain a proven track record of work experience.
2. Target companies and industries that are hiring. The health care industry remains a robust one for graduates of all majors. A political science major might want to target a position in health care policy while counseling positions in a retirement facility may appeal to a sociology or psychology major. The utility industry is a great industry to target, as they project an eight percent increase in entry-level hiring this year. The field of renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, is just beginning to emerge.
3. Be prepared with outstanding job search materials and interview skills. Be ready to articulate your value on day one. Become the expert in that industry and targeted employers. Make sure you know more about them than anyone else.
4. Connect with the companies to demonstrate your capabilities. An extended internship, temporary work or part-time work will let them know who you are and what you can do.
5. Research the opportunities. Small companies (with less than 54 employees) have projected a small increase in hiring this year. But, you won’t see them at career fairs—they are too small. Instead, ask your family’s accountant or financial planner for suggestions. They often provide services for smaller companies. As such, they will know where the opportunities are and can make an introduction for you.
6. Network, network, network. Ask your family, your friends’ family, campus career services and alumni for help. Don’t overlook your professors. They can also be a great source of information.
“Starting a career in a recession is like starting a marathon running uphill,” Kennedy added. “It can be done but will take more work and planning than ever before.”
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