What you should know before graduation

The spring semester is about halfway finished, the snow is dissipating and for seniors, graduation is just around the corner.

For some, the thought of graduation is exciting and triggers a sense of relief that they can now move forward with the dreams that have kept them going for four years or more. For others, graduation is an instant panic attack.

It’s no surprise that the economy hasn’t been kind to recent graduates, but there is hope.

The Career and Academic Planning Center and advisers here at Rowan can help guide students toward their future. They can’t promise you’ll get the job, but they can make suggestions to make the process of searching a little easier.

CAP Center Director Lizziel Sullivan-Williams, emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of the services offered by the CAP Center.

“The CAP Center will work with students. Take advantage of everything that’s going on,” Sullivan-Williams said.

Many students don’t realize that they should start participating in internships much earlier than their senior year.

“Students should have a minimum of two internships so they have the professional hands-on experience,” Sullivan-Williams said.

Showing that you have experience under your belt can be beneficial to getting your first job.

“Whatever your major, a prospective employer wants to see concrete evidence of activity in your field,” said Journalism department chair and professor Claudia Cuddy.

Most departments have internship coordinators whom not many students are aware of. Sullivan-Williams suggests students should see their advisor.

There are also several Web sites that can be helpful in searching for an internship. Along with the CAP Center Web site, students can visit collegegrad.com, jerseyintern.com and phillyintern.com, among others.

Networking is an important part of getting your foot in the door. Making a list of people you know and people they know can help you get more information. Such people may be professors, friends or coworkers.

Another way to network is to attend alumni mentoring programs or career fairs. On Tuesday night, Rowan held Ask an Alum Career Fair. The event allowed students ask questions about careers, résumés and other professional issues.

Students like freshman biological science major Candace Braxton came out with a genuine interest in the free counseling from alumni.

“I wanted to see what they had to do to get a job, because I know it’s more than they’ve told us,” Braxton said.

The more contacts you accumulate, the better chances you have at landing your first job.

“Start looking up all the places you would like to apply to. Make yourself an Excel spreadsheet with contact information,” Cuddy said. “Use columns for ‘sent,’ ‘received response’ and ‘result,’ or activities like that.”

Most students make the mistake of pursuing their dream job right away. The reality is that this doesn’t always happen. Sometimes you have to work your way up the ladder.

“Students need to explore career options, not just focusing on their dream job. You may have to take an entry level position,” Sullivan-Williams said. “Therefore, when they graduate they’re more much more marketable.”

The newest CAP Center Assistant Director Robert Bullard had several tips for students.

“Start early,” Bullard said. “If you are graduating in May, look at internships that you might fit into the first semester of the year.”

Don’t wait until last minute. Some students think they have plenty of time to start looking at what is available. Bullard reminded students not to give up.

“It’s easy to get discouraged,” Bullard said. “Take all of your experiences and learn from them.”

One of the most important tips he suggests is one that many of your professors have already told you.

“Be wary of Facebook,” Bullard said. “Learn how to network properly.”

If you’re trying to land that job you want and you think your Facebook profile pictures and information is set to private, think again. Some employers have the ability to view your profile, warns Bullard. That picture of you having had too many drinks may not be the best way to make a first impression with potential employers.

Of course, you’ll need to know what to do when and if an interview finally comes. The CAP Center offers a plethora of information on what to do before and during the interview.

Think ahead of time; research is key. If you are looking for a particular field and go in for the interview without knowing what positions are available, the employer may think twice about hiring you to work for them.

Before the interview, prepare yourself to answer positive questions about yourself. Don’t admit to all of your weaknesses.

If you are asked if you are proficient in a certain field and you’re not, it is acceptable to admit that you are willing to learn whatever is necessary to get the job done instead of lying.

The CAP Center’s Web site reminds students to dress to impress. Depending on what position you are applying for, your appearance is an important way to show employers that you are serious.

Men are suggested to wear navy blue, dark gray or black business suits to interviews. Guys, make sure you match your socks. Men’s business casual attire can simply be cotton pants and a collared shirt.

Women are suggested to wear a classy business suit or dress. Perfume and excessive jewelry is frowned upon. For a business-casual look for women, dress pants or a knee-length skirt are acceptable. A nice sweater or top works just as well. No sandals, please.

Make sure that you are well-groomed for the interview. Common sense is not always common, but brushing your teeth and combing your hair should be a regular routine when starting any day.

Seniors and underclassmen in search of more guidance can stop by the CAP Center on the 2nd floor of Savitz Hall. They are open during the semester only from Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

–Contributions made by Assitant Features Editor Shannon Connelly