Friday, March 5, 2010

Lessons to be gleamed from a college job fair...

More and more graduating seniors look at their graduation prospects without any sense of hope. The state of the economy is poor, and it appears as though no one is hiring. With such dim prospects, there seems little incentive in networking, interviewing, applying, or even considering work life after graduation. Still, graduation is approaching, and at the end of the school year seniors who have not found jobs will either have to go to graduate school or else return home to sit on the couch.

A recent article on an Ithaca job fair detailed a similar attitude among its graduating class (http://theithacan.org/am/publish/news/201003_College_hosts_job_and_internship_fair.shtml). Yet jobs are available, and those in the know are imploring graduating seniors to put in the extra effort and find work:

John Fracchia, associate director of Career Services, said the employer turnout was
“average” compared to other years but still large considering the state of the economy.

“One of the things we’re trying to get students to understand, particularly seniors and
graduating students, is that there are still jobs,” he said. “You [have to] use your networking
resources, but the economy hasn’t ground to a halt.”

It is extremely rare for a job to fall into your lap. Finding employment requires time, committment, research, networking, and an unrelenting seach. Applying to one or two positions will not do, and students must apply to numerous firms, for numerous jobs if they are serious about finding work. The job market is not doing well now, and it is a difficult task to find work, but idleness only makes the task more difficult. Further, resignation to failure or hopelessness conveys a negative attitude that will repulse employers. Maintain a positive, forward thinking attitude, and do what needs to be done to secure your future.

The FBI is Hiring


The Federal Bureau of Investigation is hiring. Please check the FBI Jobs website (http://www.fbijobs.gov/) or USA Jobs (see last blog entry). Seniors should not be deterred by the current job market - the government is hiring.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

USAJobs.gov - "Working for America"

More and more commentators are reporting that it's a good time to work for Uncle Sam:

The government is hiring (with a surge in employment of workers in their 20's), and these jobs hold important future potential as 44% of the civil service looks set to retire in the next five years.

USAJobs.gov offers a very easy setup to find and land these government jobs. The website offers an easy-to-use search feature, detailed job descriptions and qualifications, and resources for application. Additionally, you can post your resume to USAJobs.gov, and it will show up in government agencies' search results - offering another way for employers to find you. There are many openings, and application deadlines close all the time, so be punctual and get those applications in.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Apply for Positions at the CIA


The Central Intelligence Agency offers a number of very interesting and demanding positions that offer great experience and quick advancement. These positions demand strong integrity of character, analytical skills, and leadership qualities.
These positions offer a very rewarding and unique experience serving our nation. The background check is exhaustive, and it can take anywhere from several months to two years. Those interested are encouraged to apply now while continuing with other endeavors until they hear back from the Agency.
To find out more about available positions at the CIA and the CIA's application process, please visit the Agency's career website at https://www.cia.gov/careers/index.html .

Monday, January 25, 2010

More Women Going to Business School


" ... As women reach parity with men in law and medical schools, their enrollment rates at business schools remain stubbornly low. The Graduate Management Admissions Council, which administers the GMAT entrance exam, said 39 percent of its test-takers in December were women. That's an improvement of two percentage points since 2002.

The reasons aren't surprising. At a recent recruitment event in New York for prospective female MBAs, members of an alumnae panel said they faced the same challenges in business school that they later faced in the corporate world: outsider status, difficulties balancing career goals and family and pressure to prove themselves.

Women are enrolling in medical and law schools in much greater numbers: 47 percent of law school students are women and they now make up 49 percent of medical school students... "

From http://www.womensradio.com/articles/Business-Schools-Sweeten-Lures-for-Women-/4355.html

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Questioning Grad School...



Seniors with uncertain futures in the job market have likely grown weary of hearing the phrase, "well, there's always grad school." As students complete their GRE's, LSAT's, MCAT's, CPA's, and so on, they should consider whether or not grad school will really pay off in the long-run.
For more, please read the linked article:

Changing Student Loans


Federal Government to Cut Private Lenders out of Student Loans