One Final Semester – What’s Next?

The job market isn’t exactly ideal for recent college graduates, but recent studies have shown that hiring is finally headed in a positive direction. Bloomberg Businessweek reported that recent graduates of the class of 2011 are seeing progress due to a “window of economic growth,” and that window could be responsible for the greatest increase of hired, newly graduated employees since the school-to-work transition of the class of 2008. Although the increase benefited this year’s college grads in general, grads with degrees in business and accounting saw the most success.

According to Philip Gardner, the director of research at the Collegiate Employment Research Institute (CERI), the hiring of new college graduates rose by approximately 10 percent this year. A study conducted by the Society of Human Resource management also revealed that companies with 500 employees or more were primarily responsible for the 10 percent jump. Compared with unchanged rates in hiring from 2010, this increase can be viewed as an excellent sign for recent and upcoming graduates.

College grads not out of the woods just yet

Although the job market has taken a positive turn, the problem of recent graduate unemployment has not been completely rectified. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for bachelor’s degree holders between the ages of 16 and 24 rose to 13.2 percent in July. Gardner explains that the dramatic success of new graduates and the lack of success by graduates from earlier classes is due to a general preference among companies to hire graduates fresh out of college as opposed to those who have slightly older degrees.

The trend of hiring new graduates is expected to continue, so students in their final semesters of college should take note to make the transition as easy as possible. Since the field can be very competitive, students can distinguish themselves from the competition by enrolling in an online academic program. Extending your education would put you ahead of your competitors and show potential employers that you are both self-motivated and ambitious.

Making your way in the job market

If you’re a student in your final semester of college, you can also prepare for the transition from campus to cubicle by consistently updating and upgrading your resume to ensure an impressive professional image. Keep up with recent trends in your industry and make sure that the skills listed in your resume directly reflect the latest advances. In most cases, it is in your favor to create multiple resumes and tailor each one to the job you are currently applying for.

Landing an internship can also help you get your foot in the door at a business. Internships aren’t just for current college students– recent graduates can take advantage of internship opportunities as well. Although many internships are unpaid, students may be able to find some that offer a small hourly wage or stipend. Adding an additional internship to your resume will let potential employers know that you are capable of handling a position in your field after college. In addition to gaining experience, an internship may even lead to paid job opportunities as well.

Finishing the final semester of your college degree program can be stressful, especially since the job market hasn’t completely recovered. But using your final semester to make a plan for your future can help you navigate the job market, and prepare you for the future.

Jesse Langley lives in the Midwest with his family where he loves reading, writing, and blogging.  He writes on behalf of Colorado Technical University.

Source:

Zlomek, E. (2011, August 29). Job Offers Increased for Class of 2011. Retrieved December 14, 2011, from http://www.businessweek.com/business-schools/job-offers-increased-for-class-of-2011-08292011.html. University Language Services. (2010). Six Tips for Finding Your First Job After College. Retrieved December 14, 2011, from http://www.universitylanguage.com/job-search/job-after-college/.