College can be an enlightening experience for newcomers and a chance to accumulate fresh knowledge. For those who are nearing graduation, however, the reality of having to find a steady job can be even more of an eye opener.
Most jobs that are available in today's market are from smaller or mid-size companies, according to Ed Brodka, a Career Services adviser. Those who only look for jobs with companies they are familiar with are less likely to find something.
Brodka recommends Craigslist as a valuable tool for all job seekers. It is free for employers to post on the Web site, a convenient factor that helps to pool together an enormous amount of available jobs.
According to Brodka, it is still important to check every place where jobs are posted and even more important to note that these postings are not the straightest route to employment.
"People will apply to job listings and then get discouraged because they get no response," Brodka said. "If you ask people how they got their job, only about 15 percent will say that they found it in the job listings."
Another issue that some students have with job searching is the dimming of hope that there is enjoyable work to be found.
"I've made no attempts yet, but I know that the market is not looking good," said Tricia DeFillipps, a senior political science and psychology major. "Finding a dream job would be ideal, but I know that I will probably have to settle."
Pavithra Raja, a senior communication and psychology major, has similar expectations.
"I don't expect anyone to give me a great job with just a Bachelor's degree," Raja said. "I just want a job that I can hold for three years or so before graduate school."
According to Brodka, the most important step on the career path is networking. Becoming familiar with employers and staying well connected can help eliminate the competition.
"Put yourself in the employer's shoes," Brodka said. "Would they rather go through hundreds of applications, or ask their employees if they know someone who could fill the position?"
Students who will soon be graduating have the task of finding work as well as discovering what employers want.
"A lot of employers look for things like leadership skills that are learned outside of the classroom," Raja said.
UB also offers a number of networking and job finding resources. Bulls Eye, an option on the Career Services' Web site, www.ub-careers.buffalo.edu, can be used for a number of things: researching employers, searching for positions, on-campus interviewing and job fair information.
The Web site also provides a program called Meet-a-Mentor, for which more than 550 alumni have made themselves available as part of a social and informational database for students. According to Brodka, these volunteers are happy to hear from students who want to get a professional perspective on their job situation.
"These people aren't annoyed at all by the calls they get. In fact they are flattered," Brodka said. "The biggest problem with the program is that not that many students decide to use it."
Abby Hand, a senior communication major, has found the hunt for job opportunities to be incredibly stressful.
"The hardest thing about finding a job is that everyone wants someone with experience," Hand said.
One of the best ways to gain experience is through an internship. According to Brodka, internships aren't that hard to come by and employers are more willing to take a risk on someone who is only going to work for them temporarily.
Students can also benefit from obeying some subtle, social guidelines when seeking an internship.
"Make yourself valuable to these employers," Brodka said. "Ask them if you can help with the simplest projects. Don't just ask for an internship."
Finding a good job is a multi-step process. UB can be a great starting point for this major chapter in any student's life, and even those who are only just starting at the university would be wise to consider their options.
"It is never too early to start," Brodka said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
