The national job market’s hiring of graduating college students declined over the past year. Students should start planning for their future jobs as soon as possible in order to avoid the risk of not being able to find a job after graduation, according to John Paul Abner, director of career development.
According to Abner, hiring of college students has dropped 36 percent from 2001 to 2002. This drop in hiring is making networking and searching well before graduation even more important than in previous years.
Indications suggest that college hiring will stay level or even decrease for 2002-2003 graduating students, said
Abner.
“Students should begin networking with Milligan alumni, family and friends now,” Abner said. “It is also important for students to get good work experience in his or her field of study.”
Internships are extremely helpful when looking for a job after graduation.
“Some Fortune 500 companies hire 80 percent of their employees from internships,” said
Abner.
It is never too early for students to start thinking about what they will do after graduation.
Abner said, “It’s really up to students to start early to prepare for college graduation. Resumes need to be put together by at least January.”
The Career Center is putting together career folders for every senior with tips on preparing a resume, interview skills and where to look for jobs. The folders will be distributed by the end of the semester. The Career Center is also pursuing grant funding to increase the services it can provide to the students