STAC Advice For Future College Graduates: Network and Intern

Soon to be college graduates are taking all precautions to insure their slot in the work force. College students have reason to be concerned. America’s national unemployment rate predicted to remain above 9 percent. The national unemployment rate for college graduates steadies at 5.1 percent.  These dismal numbers had 2011 graduates less than anxious to accept their diploma and have motivated students to advance their education hoping for both better success and a better economy.

“Now that I’ve got my bachelor’s degree I’m going right back in," said St. Thomas Aquinas College graduate Anthony Espositio. “I’m determined to get my Master's degree. See you in two years real world!”

 Advanced degrees are the weapon of choice for many future graduates, but for employers real world experience is a highly valued trait. Internships are not only a graduation requirement but are the key to surviving the Obama-era recession.

“To ensure success after pursuing my undergraduate degree as a Psychology major and Criminal Justice minor, I am going to further my education and achieve my Master's in the field of Psychology," said St. Thomas Aquinas College senior Ashley Hanneman. “This will give me more experience in my field of study through internships and coursework; hopefully opening up doors to a successful career in the future to achieve my dream of protecting the rights of children.

 College juniors and seniors are looking harder than ever for internships. Due to the dismal economy employers have become more selective on hiring. Their expectations for graduates are high.

Graduates are expected to have more experience than before, and a focused interest in the employer’s field. Only 24 percent of recent college graduates have accepted job offers. It is clear that employers avoid taking risks on recent graduates. There isn’t any money to take a gamble on graduates who have a diploma but no experience in the field.

“STAC graduates are extremely successful because, in addition to the formal education and training they receive, they enter the "real world" equipped with practical skills gained through several internship experiences," said St. Thomas Aquinas College Professor Elaine Winship. "Many students report that the combination of theory and practice is what they find most rewarding and beneficial.”

 It’s no secret that employers hire from within first. Students hold onto this industry fact hoping that as an intern, they’ll have a cushion to fall on after graduation. That cushion could be explained in one word: Networking.

“Based on my 14 years of experience in the business world, my advice to graduates is very simple—network, network, network," said St. Thomas Aquinas College Professor Elaine Winship. "Don't be above accepting an "entry-level" position.  Many graduates believe that entry level positions in sales or customer service are dead ends or beneath a college graduate. To the contrary, entry level positions in an area that may not be a perfect fit for a specific degree of study offer a "foot in the door" to growing organizations.”

 Networking is the key to success. Networking means making oneself visible by volunteering for any extra work, and opening up availability. The goal is to get the office to recognize the student’s ambition and hard working spirit. Those are two traits that are indispensible to employers fearing to hire new staff.

 Networking can be nerveracking. Talking to someone new doesn’t put people at ease, especially if they’re new coworkers. One helpful tip is to arrive at office meetings early.  Less people in the room means networking made easier. Talking to two or three people before a meeting seems much easier than tackling a whole room of coworkers and managers.

 Even if it means working as a mail clerk this summer, starting at the bottom means there’s nowhere else to go but up, if networking is done correctly.