While senioritis may seem harmless at first, it is often followed by the "April panic." But there are many ways seniors can begin searching for jobs now in order to avoid a frantic search just weeks before graduation. In addition to speaking with advisers and senior seminar professors, the Academic and Career Advising Center (ACAC) can be a valuable resource for the seniors' search as well.
The most essential step in the search process is to begin looking for jobs as soon as possible. "We encourage the seniors to start early, just so they can pace themselves and kind of break up the process so it doesn't seem as overwhelming," said Sarah Hobgood, assistant director of the ACAC.
Time management is hard under normal circumstances, but finding the time to look for a job in between classes can be even more difficult. "We encourage the students to almost treat the job and internship like a class and schedule in a few hours each week to devote time to it," Hobgood added.
The very thought of looking for a job may be overwhelming at first, so Hobgood suggested seniors narrow down their search according to their interests and start from there. She added that students could benefit from contacting a company they worked with or had an internship with before as well. But she also reminded students to not limit their search to just a few companies. "You want to apply to as many different places as you can; try to be as broad as you can in your search."
Ellen Masters, associate director of the center, advised seniors to "be open minded about what the opportunities are. You never know what a company has to offer."
Masters reminded seniors that companies need graduates of all majors and areas of expertise. "Don't let the name of the company hinder you from talking to them." She added that even if a particular company is not the right fit for you, they may be able to connect you to an organization that is.
Masters stressed the importance of networking in the job search process. "Draft an email to everybody you know," she said. She said if students send an email describing what type of job they are looking for and an attached resume, the email recipients may be able to aid them in their search with various connections.
In addition to emails, Masters said students should "use social networking to let people know [they] are looking." But she also warned students to make sure their personal web pages are free of incriminating posts or photos. There was an incident where a Hampden-Sydney College student was a top candidate for a job but was rejected due to what his employers found on his Facebook page.
After the student was rejected by the company, one of the college's advisers made a personal Internet self-audit sheet to help college students avoid a similar fate in the future. The self-audit form is currently available in the center for Longwood students. Masters said it is important because students should not allow social media to "hinder you from getting a job you are otherwise qualified to do."
Hobgood said another major setback for seniors is putting off the job search for too long. "Know what the deadlines are for your industry area," she said. Certain career fields require interested applicants to apply early, causing seniors who procrastinate to miss deadlines.
Masters assured, "It is a scary process, but that's why [the center is] here. [The seniors] don't have to go through this alone." The center provides advisers who will help students look for jobs, apply for jobs and practice with mock interviews. The center also has a job database called Career Connect that is updated weekly with job openings within the state and nationwide.
While graduate school hopefuls would benefit from searching sophomore or junior year, the center also has resources that can help students of any year prepare for graduate studies. Students can visit the center to discuss graduate school options with an adviser and sign up for a practice Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
The center will host the annual Job and Internship Fair in Blackwell Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at noon. This event will expose students to a variety of career opportunities. The Student-Alumni Networking Event (SANE), an opportunity for students to speak with Longwood alumni in the career world, will be held in the Lankford Student Union Ballroom on Feb. 24 from 1- 4:30 p.m.
Above all, Hobgood encouraged students to remain positive throughout their search. "The economy is tight and the market is tough … but I would definitely encourage students to not let that get them down." She said it is important to vent to a confidant or adviser when frustrated, especially because so many people can relate to the job search process.
Masters reminded students to remain motivated, especially because there are positions being added to Career Connect constantly. She added that students do not have to worry about finding their dream job right away. "Your first job doesn't have to be the job you have forever," she assured. "You can always move up within an organization or do something totally different."
The center is located in room G08 in Lancaster Hall, and the center's various resources for graduating students can be found at http://longwood.edu/career. However, it is important for seniors to utilize the center's resources as soon as possible. Hobgood added, "We're definitely happy to help, but it can be more helpful to start earlier."