Economic crisis encourages students to intern and network
Brittany Glover | Staff Writer
Issue date: 6/25/09 Section: News
For most of the upcoming graduates, the one thing feared most is not graduating; it is finding a job. During this economic crisis, recent grads aren’t the only ones struggling to retain jobs, find employment and maintain a consistent amount of income.
The economy doesn’t necessarily mean finding a job is impossible. It just means you have to look harder and think smarter.
“Jobs are out there, you just have to work harder to find them, especially the ones you really want,” Assistant Director of UNCW Career Center, Leslie Wright, said.
There are many ways students can prepare themselves for life after graduation. Internships and networking are two key components to finding a job after graduation.
Internships have always been a great way for students to get their foot in the door and educate themselves on career paths they may like to enter. Today, more than ever, internships could be a big stepping stone to a full-time job after college.
“An internship is an opportunity for a student to "try out" a career in a specific field that relates to their chosen major field of college preparation,” UNCW Internship Coordinator, Karen Thompson, said. "Not only do students gain confidence in themselves, but they gain valuable experience for building upon their credentials for the future beyond graduation.”
Also, take advantage of less glamorous jobs. Often times we tend to see job titles rather than important duties and responsibilities we carry. You may not be the manager or team leader, but you may be the individual who recruited 50 new student ambassadors or the individual who received the Leader of the Year award.
Whatever you do, “don’t isolate yourself,” Wrights adds, “If you don’t have that dream job, take an internship, part-time job or register with a local temporary agency, even volunteer. Do something.”
Another aspect of a job search that is often neglected is networking. Networking is a significant component to creating professional relationships that can help you get a job. Attend networking events and take advantage of opportunities to interact with people you don’t know. During an economic crisis, networking skills could ultimately help you land a job quicker than being another number in a stack of applications.
“Network with anyone and everyone,” UNCW Career Development Counselor, Michael Phillips said. “Many job openings that exist right now are never advertised, but they are acquired through knowing people in influential places.”
The economy doesn’t necessarily mean finding a job is impossible. It just means you have to look harder and think smarter.
“Jobs are out there, you just have to work harder to find them, especially the ones you really want,” Assistant Director of UNCW Career Center, Leslie Wright, said.
There are many ways students can prepare themselves for life after graduation. Internships and networking are two key components to finding a job after graduation.
Internships have always been a great way for students to get their foot in the door and educate themselves on career paths they may like to enter. Today, more than ever, internships could be a big stepping stone to a full-time job after college.
“An internship is an opportunity for a student to "try out" a career in a specific field that relates to their chosen major field of college preparation,” UNCW Internship Coordinator, Karen Thompson, said. "Not only do students gain confidence in themselves, but they gain valuable experience for building upon their credentials for the future beyond graduation.”
Also, take advantage of less glamorous jobs. Often times we tend to see job titles rather than important duties and responsibilities we carry. You may not be the manager or team leader, but you may be the individual who recruited 50 new student ambassadors or the individual who received the Leader of the Year award.
Whatever you do, “don’t isolate yourself,” Wrights adds, “If you don’t have that dream job, take an internship, part-time job or register with a local temporary agency, even volunteer. Do something.”
Another aspect of a job search that is often neglected is networking. Networking is a significant component to creating professional relationships that can help you get a job. Attend networking events and take advantage of opportunities to interact with people you don’t know. During an economic crisis, networking skills could ultimately help you land a job quicker than being another number in a stack of applications.
“Network with anyone and everyone,” UNCW Career Development Counselor, Michael Phillips said. “Many job openings that exist right now are never advertised, but they are acquired through knowing people in influential places.”
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