The bad news is that 2.6 million Americans lost jobs last year — the highest loss since 1945. The other bad news is the economy isn’t much stronger than it was in the fall. For students graduating this year, the news is even worse than that. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers plan to “decrease their hiring numbers for the class of 2009.”
But there is good news too. For students with a few years of study left, the economy has ample time to rebound. And for those who are planning on searching for a job this year, there are plenty of on-campus resources that students can use to make the process easier.
So for those students who are about to jump head-first into the job market, here are some tips for how to plan a job search, bounce back from a firing or failed search and how to keep a job when one is offered.
Finding a Job
Students searching for a job run into a lot of questions and are often crippled by insecurities. Job seekers, take heart. There are many resources available for students on-campus and online. Technician has consolidated some those resources for those in need of a jumping-off point.
10 Hot Jobs
– Veterinarian
– Physician Assistant
– Systems Analyst
– Urban Planner
– Hairstylist
– Engineer
– Clergy
– Ghostwriter
– Management Consultant
– Librarian
What it’s like to be a ghostwriter
A ghostwriter authors books with other people listed as the author — usually those people are celebrity types with no writing skills of their own. Ghostwriters are usually paid well, but must be OK writing about others’ ideas. The life of a successful ghostwriter is a good one. Projects abound and scheduling is flexible.
A typical project begins with a lot of interviewing and observing. Once the writer has enough content, he or she begins to write, sending each chapter to the subject for approval. Once the book is complete, the subject will ask for final changes. After that, the book (hopefully) gets published!
A day in the life of a physician assistant
8 a.m.: Arrive at the office and discuss the day’s appointments
9 a.m.: Begin seeing patients
10 a.m.: Order some blood tests
11 a.m.: Minor emergency! Suture a patient with a cut elbow
noon: take a 15 minute break for lunch
12:30 p.m.: A patient with heart trouble comes in, evaluate him
12:40 p.m.: Arrange for patient to be transported to hospital
1 p.m.: Go to hospital to check supervising doctors’ post-operative patients
3 p.m.: Back at the office, finish the day’s appointments
5 p.m.: Wrap up paperwork
SOURCE: U.S. News
10 Best Companies to Work For
– General Mills
– Bain & Company
– Netflix
– Adobe
– Northwestern Mutual
– Whole Foods
– SAP
– Continental Airlines
– NetApp
SOURCE: Glassdoor
Advice from Agricultural Economics Professor Mike Walden:
The healthcare industry relies on payment from government programs or private insurance companies, not individuals. Because of this the industry will continue to be successful. Besides, sick people will always need medical help.
Career Center Director Carol Schroeder’s says:
“Getting a job is a job in itself — now especially. You need to interview a lot to find the right job, and 10 interviews is not a lot.”
“You need to develop good job search skills. If you don’t feel comfortable talking about yourself [the Career Center] can help.”
“Prepare, participate and practice!”
The Career Center offers
– Interview Practice
– Resume Review
– Job Search Guidance
– ePack.com
– On campus Interviews
Bouncing back from a rejection
Job searches are rife with rejection, especially in this economic environment.
“Students need to understand, it’s different now. Employers are pulling back,” l Shroeder said.
But being turned down from a job is normal. Even being laid off from a job is a regular occurance now. Here are some tips for job seekers in a rut.
You aren’t alone … by the numbers
1,223,993 amount of jobs cut in 2008
348,019 amount of jobs cut in November and December alone
260,110 amount of workers the finance sector announced it will cut
127,281 amount of workers the automotive industry announced it will cut
275 percentage of rise of layoffs in 2008
SOURCE: Reuters
Worst performing industries
– Housewares and Accessories
– Manufactured Housing
– Residential Property Management
– Office Property Managemnt
– Long Distance Carriers
– Banks
– Recreational Vehicles
SOURCE: MSN Money
Carol Schroeder says:
Look into other industries: “Understand that large companies are in the business of doing something specific, but have human resources, marketing, auditing, communication and finance people too.”
“Be more creative and be more flexible with what you want to do and where you want to live.”
“Don’t lose confidence.”
The Career Center can help!
– Graduates can still use the center one semester after graduating
The Alumni Association offers…
– Students in STAT and alumni can access a database of alumni in their field, some of whom are willing to meet to talk about that field
Advice from Mike Walden
Communication technology will continue to be a strong field. For many people, devices like smart phones are a necessity, especially because of the business applications they can be used for.
Keeping a job
A job offer is bound to come around at some point, and when it does the new hire should take care not to lose it.
5 Tips for Keeping your job in this economy
1. Stay plugged in at the office
2. Perform. Perform. Perform.
3. Make yourself and your boss look good.
4. Don’t whine about an increased workload
5. Document what you do and your rate of success
SOURCE: Chicago Tribune
Carol Schroeder says
“When you get a job, make sure you’re looking into more viable parts of the industry.”
“Join your chosen career’s professional society.”
Be happy to be a part of Generation Y
CIO.com reports that Gen Y may be able to weather the recession better because of five qualities they share:
1. They have weaker ties to corporate America, and will be more likely to look out for themselves.
2. They work cheap.
3. They don’t have the financial burdens of Boomers and Gen X.
4. They’ve been multitasking since they were kids.
5. They may be spoiled, but they’re not stupid — Gen Y will pay attention and act accordingly.
SOURCE: CIO.com
