Finding a job after graduation can cause stress. Given the economy's current state and the high demand for jobs, students will continue to experience difficulty when searching for a career after college.
Employment among adults aged 16-29 has dropped by 12 percent in the last 10 years, the lowest in over 50 years, according to the U.S. Census.
Today, the competition for jobs is high. Not only are there new freshly graduated faces ready to take on the world all competing for similar jobs, but there are also many seasoned, knowledgeable adults competing as well.
"People are hanging onto their jobs longer because they're more uncertain today," said Dave Sylvestre, director of corporate communications at Textron, a global multi-industry company in Rhode Island. "[Finding a job] becomes an issue when someone is of retirement age and not retiring. It prevents people from moving up, and then other people from being hired."
However according to Sue Martin, the director of Career Services, this shouldn't be looked at as a problem – just a challenge.
"Yes, you have experience as an adult [in the workforce], but as a recent graduate, you aren't jaded," Martin said. "The person who is able to market themselves and sell themselves most effectively will get the job."
There are many opportunities on Miami's campus that will help students in their search for jobs and internships, according to Martin.
Miami students may turn to Career Services to aid them in their quest for employment and experience, especially the Fall Career Fair and Spring ICE that Career Services organizes every year as a way to gain career advice and explore their opportunities. Over 150 companies came out for the latest Career Fair on September 21, including Proctor & Gamble, American Eagle Outfitters, Nestle and Textron.
According to Martin, Career Services is for anybody and everybody on campus. They do try and draw in a large and diverse number of recruits. However, they do have to cater to the people that will attend – business students.
"It's not anything we intentionally do," Martin said. "We have a myriad of business employers and we're trying to establish liaison models for the different departments on campus."
Whatever the situation is, Sylvestre and Martin all agree that there are things that students can do to prepare themselves and get a job.
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"My advice to juniors and seniors is to do a couple of internships – it pays to have on a resume," Sylvestre said.
Sylvestre continued to say that one skill that separates people is their ability to write well.
"If you can't explain your ideas verbally, you are at a disadvantage," Sylvestre said.
According to Martin and Sylvestre, it is a quality that is not rare to see on a resume, but it's not common either. They also suggest that students look into industries that are booming right now or will be within the next few years.
"Undergrads could benefit from doing a little research on up and coming jobs of the future," Sylvestre said. "Healthcare, engineering and even computers are still fast growing industries. There might be a way to angle your education towards that. But ultimately, do what you're interested in."
As of now, Hammond is unsure about her life after Miami. She has some interest in a few companies – some in Ohio and some elsewhere. Right now it's all a waiting game. When asked what she would do if she doesn't find a job, she stayed optimistic.
"I guess I'd probably go home. I do have an ongoing job [in Grand Rapids, Mich.]. I'll still do that and keep searching. Something has to happen – maybe it won't be my first choice, but something."
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