Intern, network and change your Facebook default

By: Ellease Bender

Posted: 4/24/09

"What are you doing next year?" is the magical question most seniors may avoid. As employment continues to rise and graduation nears, time is getting tight for those entering the job market. To ease stress, make some connections, and boost their images, both Arts and Sciences and Holt students attended the Networking Roundtable and Personal Development Luncheon workshop. Communique, a campus organization for potential Communications professionals, hosted the Saturday afternoon event.

A panel of successful public relations, advertising, and publishing professionals addressed attendees about their field, accomplishments and pieces of advice for navigating the communications world. Students then met with the professionals speed-dating style, making connections, and receiving valuable answers to burning questions: "How can liberal arts students remain competitive in this job market?," "What about grad school?," "I'm really interested in publishing, is there any way I can stop by your offices?" Marian Cacciatore, a Career Coach for Holt students, wrapped up the event with her presentation "Navigating the Job Market in a Downturn Economy" to equip attendees with tips on getting the right job.

The event provided valuable and exclusive information for graduates hoping to enter this competitive industry. In case you missed it, take advantage of the following tips emphasized at the roundtable.

1. Network: "3 out of 4 jobs come from a friend," according to Cacciatore. Make a list of everyone you know and their industry. Definitely send a resume over, but also go establish a personal connection. Drop an email from time to time to update them on your progress. Post to their wall just to check in. Never doubt these personal ties; they can be the key to that next great job. Do not reply on the relationship alone, though, Cacciatore claims. Personally contact potential employers. Send an email or, even better, head over to the office and introduce yourself.

2. Internships: Each of the panelists emphasized the value of internships. Internships only enhance your course work and also demonstrate experience when placed on a resume. By interning you will also make the key connections with professionals in the field while learning if a certain profession is right for you.

3. Clean up your social networking sites: Sure, you thought bathing suit for Fox Day was a sight to be seen, though your prospective employer probably will not agree. In fact, many employers are starting to ask about social networking addresses in applications or taking the liberty of searching you themselves. Molly Cook, an account executive from Costa DeVault and roundtable panelist, shared an anecdote about a candidate her company was considering hiring. One look on their Facebook, however, made them reconsider. These site can convey pieces of information not on your resume` or brought up in the interview. Make sure the information you disclose boosts your image, not tarnishes it.

4. Instead, use the sites for good: Clean up your Facebook or myspace and get a Twitter or LinkedIn. Follow companies you find interesting on Twitter. Use LinkedIn to search for exclusive jobs unavailable on major career sites and sell your accomplishments on your page. Check out mutual friends on Facebook - you never know when a former lab partner may have risen up the corporate ladder. Make connections and relationships to find your next job by using these increasingly valuable resources.

Attendees clearly were steered in the right direction thanks to the wonderful panelists and knowledge of Marian Cacciatore. Hopefully, the job market will soon begin doing the same.