Help Me, I'm Poor 10/13/16
What is more stressful than trying to earn a degree, pass classes and still maintain a social life?
Finding a job.
Whether it be an internship or post-graduation employment, job searching is a leading cause of stress among college students. At Miami, and I am sure many other college campuses, job fairs flood the campus with company recruiters. Students spend weeks preparing questions, looking up company history and facts to impress recruiters, and printing out multiple resumes to hand to anyone who looks their way.
In a 2014 study done by Jennifer Rutt for aftercollege.com, 83% of college student do not have a job lined up after graduation. Is that bad? Maybe. Maybe not. But parents, professors and even peers can make it seem like so.
Why is this relevant to Miami University? Because we are a college with job-seeking future graduates. In the past month there have been multiple job fairs for different colleges, majors, and the general university. It is not uncommon to see students walk into class with a business suit because they have an upcoming interview or job fair to attend. Students are applying through university websites, getting opportunities told to them by professors, or simply by googling places hiring.
I want to cover why there is so much anxiety surrounding this social issue. Looking for a job or internship should be exciting, not stressful. Talking to potential employers should give you butterflies of hope and eagerness rather than the feeling of nauseous and nerves. What can be done to change this? Is it the fault of the university or do students put too much pressure on themselves? What is the role of parents in this issue?
Also, what is the stress if a graduating senior hasn't found a job? What does this mean for their post-graduation lifestyle? What will be their income, house, or financial dependability? I want to know.
Finding a job.
Whether it be an internship or post-graduation employment, job searching is a leading cause of stress among college students. At Miami, and I am sure many other college campuses, job fairs flood the campus with company recruiters. Students spend weeks preparing questions, looking up company history and facts to impress recruiters, and printing out multiple resumes to hand to anyone who looks their way.
In a 2014 study done by Jennifer Rutt for aftercollege.com, 83% of college student do not have a job lined up after graduation. Is that bad? Maybe. Maybe not. But parents, professors and even peers can make it seem like so.
Why is this relevant to Miami University? Because we are a college with job-seeking future graduates. In the past month there have been multiple job fairs for different colleges, majors, and the general university. It is not uncommon to see students walk into class with a business suit because they have an upcoming interview or job fair to attend. Students are applying through university websites, getting opportunities told to them by professors, or simply by googling places hiring.
I want to cover why there is so much anxiety surrounding this social issue. Looking for a job or internship should be exciting, not stressful. Talking to potential employers should give you butterflies of hope and eagerness rather than the feeling of nauseous and nerves. What can be done to change this? Is it the fault of the university or do students put too much pressure on themselves? What is the role of parents in this issue?
Also, what is the stress if a graduating senior hasn't found a job? What does this mean for their post-graduation lifestyle? What will be their income, house, or financial dependability? I want to know.
Advice From Seniors 11/16/16
As a college student, we've all heard the unsolicited advice from our parents, professors and advisors about the importance of internships and post-graduation jobs. After hearing the same information from the same types of people (older mentors with experience), it can get redundant and eventually students tune out. Why? Because we, the millennial generation, think we know it all. BUT, this post is advice from people your own age. Your friends, peers and classmates.
I've spoken with two Miami University seniors who already have jobs lined up post-graduation. Here is a little background information about them:
-Emily Shindler
When I asked them to give advice to underclassmen, they had this to say:
As a student, sometimes it helps to hear this advice from a friend rather than a parent. Happy job hunting!
I've spoken with two Miami University seniors who already have jobs lined up post-graduation. Here is a little background information about them:
-Emily Shindler
- Major: Informative Systems, Minor: Spanish
- Post-Grad job: JP Morgan Chase & Co. in Chicago, Illinois as a Technology Analyst
- Major: Economics, Minor: Management Sociology
- Post-grad job: Abercombie & Fitch Headquarters in New Albany, OH as a Business Analyst
When I asked them to give advice to underclassmen, they had this to say:
- It's never too early to start! I have been keeping a list of companies and types of roles since I began my business classes three years ago [freshman year]." -Emily
- "Internship programs can be competitive, but once you have this opportunity the vast majority of interns are offered a full time position at the end of the summer." -Alexandra
- "As much as your friends, classmates, parents and professors will all have their opinions on your career, the only opinion that really matters is yours. As long as you are proud of the job you are accepting and are motivated to do well, there is no bad decision." -Emily
- "I don't think students at Miami realize how amazing our career services department is. Since my freshman year, I've attended workshops for my LinkedIn profile, my resume and mock interviews. These have helped me so much." -Alexandra
As a student, sometimes it helps to hear this advice from a friend rather than a parent. Happy job hunting!
"Where Do I Go For Help?" 11/30/16
After speaking with Heather Christman, Senior Associate Director of the Miami University Careers Service, she gave great advice regarding where students can find help, and what help is offered.
Most students across various universities are aware that their college is not going to hang them high-and-dry when it comes to finding a job. They want you to have a job just as much as you want to have a job.
So where do students start? Well, according to Christman, the first place to look is your universities career services program and/or department. At Miami, the following is offered:
In case you are wondering what some other universities do, check out the link below! It list the 24 best colleges for their career services programs in 2016.
Moral of this blog post, if you are struggling with finding a job or an internship...find your careers services! Again, good luck job hunting!
Most students across various universities are aware that their college is not going to hang them high-and-dry when it comes to finding a job. They want you to have a job just as much as you want to have a job.
So where do students start? Well, according to Christman, the first place to look is your universities career services program and/or department. At Miami, the following is offered:
- Mock Interviews
- One-on-one advising appointments
- An advisor that specializes in career exploration
- An advisor that specializes in first and second year students who are unsure of their path
- Alumni networking
- Field trips for students to network and meet different employers
- Career Panels
In case you are wondering what some other universities do, check out the link below! It list the 24 best colleges for their career services programs in 2016.
- http://www.bestcolleges.com/features/best-college-career-services/
Moral of this blog post, if you are struggling with finding a job or an internship...find your careers services! Again, good luck job hunting!