Spring semester busy for Career Development

With graduation fast approaching and campus activities, classes, and capstones to worry about, most college seniors are caught up in a whirlwind of anxiety and fear. Whether it's seeking employment or applying to grad school, seniors are busy preparing for life after college and looking for resources that are available to do so.

College is the time to discover strengths, weaknesses and abilities for potential employers. It's a place to establish identity, meet new people, gain experience from leadership positions and academics and develop career skills.

For seniors, sometimes seeking those opportunities and resources can be difficult.

"It's hard balancing work, school, social life, sleep and job applications. It's hard to fit all of that in one day," Charell Strong, senior fashion marketing and management major said. "The year is flying by, and you always think you have tomorrow to get things done…you look up and next thing you know the week had past." Sometimes, searching for jobs can be overwhelming.

An invaluable tool for seniors searching for a job is finding another person in a similar situation or who has been successful in her search.

"You don't know who knows who," said Amanda Roberts, director of career development. "Definitely network and one of the ways to network is with our Alumni base."

A resource for students is to consult the Career Development Office, which offers students tools in searching for jobs, developing resume or cover letter and attending workshops, career fairs and programs.

"Students can make an appointment with me, and I'll be happy to give them the resources needed in searching for a career," said Roberts.

When applying to companies, students should keep in mind to market themselves from their resumes through the interviews. It is important to ensure the resume is up to par-without grammatical errors. Students can utilize Optimal Resume, which is available through the Career Development Office, and can check for positions submitted by employers or alumnae.

At 6:30 p.m. on February 15 in Windsor Lounge, Career Development will host a workshop for seniors about career searching tips and what's in store for students after college. For more information about upcoming career fairs, resume and cover letter workshops as well as tips on money management visit the calendar of career events at: www.stephens.edu/services/careervc/events.

Another resource for seniors are sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Simply Hired or industry websites.

"Search engines are helpful in regards to see what's out there," Roberts said. " I would recommend that any time you find a position online to always refer to the company's website. You never know if they already filled the position, and if they haven't taken it off that online resource. Use it as a guide but not a guarantee."

Roberts encouraged students to do basic searches to see what positions are posted. LinkedIn is a good resource because students can link in to a specific business in which they are interested and see what job opportunities are available or what positions are listed.

"Start the process now. Be organized and make a database so that you know which companies you've contacted, who've you sent applications to, and who've you heard back from… all those things," Roberts said. "There are jobs out there, you just have to be flexible and need to get your foot out the door."

Another valuable resource is having a strong network of professionals and peers.

So what do employers expect from college graduates?

The National Association of Employers and Colleges provide a job outlook publication each year. Results of what employers expect:

• Knowledgeable about the company

• Organization

• Internships

• Communication skills both verbal and written

• Computer skills, including Excel, web design and social media

• Ability to work in teams

• Willingness to take direction

• Punctuality

• Resourcefulness

• Ability to stay on task and asking for more work if unsure of what to do next