Group: Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Career Networking Subject: The Trek from Campus to Cubicle Even the pessimists are starting to feel more optimistic about the economy. Consumer confidence is at a five-year high and new claims for jobless benefits are at a five-year low. In the past six months, employers have added almost 200,000 jobs a month. However, for many recent college graduates the job hunt is still a great frustration. And for those recent graduates who have jobs, a recent survey reported that 37 percent are working in positions that do not require advanced education. Even in buoyant economic times, many twenty-somethings experience extreme uncertainty after graduation as their pathways blur and choices multiply. This uncertainty over their future path, combined with the complexity of the job search process and the challenges of a slow-growing economy, leaves many graduates feeling overwhelmed. Accordingly, there are three areas where parental and mentor support can be helpful. First, encourage undergraduates to connect with their campus career center early in their college years. Second, develop an understanding of the range of career building events that are offered on campus. By encouraging students to participate in non-threatening career development opportunities, such as employer information sessions, information interviews, and alumni career development networks, undergraduates will understand the range of possibilities available to them through internships, part-time employment and graduate school. Finally, it’s important for job seekers maximize their personal and family networks as they begin their search. By making the introductions and connections to expand their child’s network, parents can help accelerate the job search. Begin by developing a list of people who may be able to assist, including relatives, neighbors, friends, and professional colleagues. Help your child recognize that their job search network also includes classmates, professors, faculty advisors and other contacts made through participation in athletic programs, Greek life, internships, and related extracurricular activities. First-time job seekers also need to communicate with recruiters and potential employers in a more formal manner than they would with peers, and research their on-line reputation – especially social networking sites – and remove anything that’s remotely questionable. In addition, graduates should expand their job search beyond the larger and better known companies that tend to dominate popular culture. New graduates may get more hands-on experience, expanded access to mentors, and broader exposure across the enterprise at a smaller firm, where employees often are forced to assume multiple roles within the organization. Finally, consider that employers are looking for a mix of skills and potential when assessing job candidates, including an understanding of the world beyond campus life. College students who expose glaring gaps in their knowledge of world events during the interview process demonstrate a lack of intellectual curiosity that can make a bad impression on a recruiter. For MOAA Life Members, and our Premium Members considering the benefits of a Life Membership upgrade, MOAA is offering a complimentary Keys to Success transition seminar for the children and grandchildren of our Life Members on July 10 in Alexandria, Virginia. Specifically targeted at the needs of recent graduates who are looking to secure success in their future careers, the workshop will focus on: resume, interview, career fair, and networking skills best practices; navigating online job searches; and how social media affects your job search. The seminar will conclude with a moderated lunch panel of successful young professionals in different career fields. For more information and to register or upgrade your MOAA membership, visit moaa.org/career. We wish all of our readers a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July, Jim Carman, Director MOAA Transition Center. Posted By Jim Carman
Posted on: Thu, 04 Jul 2013 05:11:49 +0000
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