(The Beacon)
By Luke Riela, Staff Writer -- riela14@up.edu
Senior Brittany Cannon is uncertain about the career she will pursue after graduating.
"I'm at a point in my life where I'm not quite sure what I want to do yet," she said. "On paper, I might look good to employers. But in reality, I don't feel prepared."
She plans to attend the Job Search Jump Start program, which focuses on directing seniors in their job search.
"We're going to do an exercise that helps people identify their skills, interests and values," Office of Career Services Director Amy Cavanaugh said.
The Job Search Jump Start program is taking place at the Office of Career Services in Orrico Hall on May 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students must register at the Office of Career Services by May 6 for $10, which will be refunded upon attendance.
The program will feature activities and presentations by Career Services staff, alumni and employers.
"We are going to cover the nuts and bolts of the job search and giving an opportunity to interact with employers and alumni," Cavanaugh said.
Students will get a sense for what they should do next in their job search.
"We're going to start with an overview and end with an action plan," she said.
One of the presentations will give senior students a glance at the first three months of the job.
"We are going to bring some recent alumni here to talk about what it's like and how to develop relationships with co-workers and managers," Cavanaugh said.
According to Cavanaugh, searching for jobs online is common among senior students, but not very effective.
"I think there are a lot of students who are starting their job search, but many are applying for jobs online," Cavanaugh said.
Job Search Jump Start will give senior students other ways to find jobs.
"This will hopefully provide people with other methods and motivate them to make connections," Cavanaugh said.
Senior Jennifer Pesut, who will be working as a project administrator at UTi Worldwide, agrees.
"It's all about making connections," she said.
Senior Matt Resman, who has been offered a job from a local mechanical contractor, pointed out that it's tough to find the job you want.
"There are a lot of opportunities and it's difficult to know if you're getting the right (job) or not," he said.
Other graduates, however, are competing for the same opportunities.
"It's been hard because there are a lot of college students looking for jobs," Cannon said.
Despite the difficulties of the job search, Cavanaugh is confident the program will prepare seniors for the tough job market.
"They will leave with takeaways that will really help them in their job search," Cavanaugh said.
Cavanaugh mentioned attending the presentations will also help seniors adjust to life after college.
"Working nine to five is a lot different than going to school," Cavanaugh said.
According to Cavanaugh, this will be the third year Career Services has hosted Job Search Jump Start. However, only 10 to 15 students attended last year.
"Unfortunately, we didn't have as many students as we would have liked," Cavanaugh said. "We want to at least double the attendance this year."
She said the program has proven useful for the senior students who attended.
"They have given us good feedback and also wished more people knew about it," Cavanaugh said.
Pesut said seniors could benefit from making use of Career Services.
"There are a lot of resources on campus that students aren't taking advantage of," she said.
Resman is optimistic UP seniors will be successful in their job searches.
"It's stressful, but in the end, you'll find the right fit and it will all work out," he said.
According to Cavanaugh, the purpose of the Job Search Jump Start program is to encourage senior students to actively seek out a good career, no matter how far behind they are.
"It's not too late to be applying for jobs and internships," she said. "We are here and we're open all summer."
Job Search Jump Start
-May 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Office of Career Services in Orrico Hall
Register now at the Office of Career Services!
-$10 for a spot in the program. Fee will be refunded upon attendance.
