Summer's Sorrows
Students face difficulties finding jobs and internships
Rachel Bowker
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: News
Earhart says that many companies are not willing to hire new employees, as they would often rather give internships with little or no payment in the interest of saving on costs and benefits, and as a way to recruit possible future employees.
While internships are a great way to get jobs, they are not the only way to get a job. Keiffer notes several other simple ways to more successfully search for jobs; networking was number one. He also suggested utilizing available services, such as those provided by the Career Center, which he said has many connections.
Another good tip is to use the Chamber of Commerce, a network of businesses in local areas, to look up people and certain companies in areas where you want to live after graduation. Keiffer suggested looking up churches for the same purpose as a way to start building your own personal network of contacts for future job opportunities.
Sophomore Sarah Busenitz got a job working for a camp this summer.
"They really wanted my skill…horse back riding. I had taught before and none of the other applicants had actually taught," said Busenitz. She reported that she couldn't find a job last year with that skill.
Finding a job has been more difficult for her sister, Rachel, a senior politics major. Sara explains that her sister has been looking for a job in Washington, D.C. but it has been hard for her to "get a foot in the door." While she had a couple opportunities, she had to pass them up because the required her to start before she graduated.
Another problem she faces is that many positions require one or two years of experience in a specific field while Rachel has only had internships with other concentrations.
Keiffer encourages Messiah students not to get frustrated with the job search. Even if you don't land your "dream job" after graduation, any job is a "stepping stone" to build a career, says Keiffer. He adds that students shouldn't expect to get away with being passive about preparing for a job; now they have to be more intentional.
A good way to prepare for graduation is to have related work experience, internships, and an effective resume. It's never too late to get started, Keiffer says.
While internships are a great way to get jobs, they are not the only way to get a job. Keiffer notes several other simple ways to more successfully search for jobs; networking was number one. He also suggested utilizing available services, such as those provided by the Career Center, which he said has many connections.
Another good tip is to use the Chamber of Commerce, a network of businesses in local areas, to look up people and certain companies in areas where you want to live after graduation. Keiffer suggested looking up churches for the same purpose as a way to start building your own personal network of contacts for future job opportunities.
Sophomore Sarah Busenitz got a job working for a camp this summer.
"They really wanted my skill…horse back riding. I had taught before and none of the other applicants had actually taught," said Busenitz. She reported that she couldn't find a job last year with that skill.
Finding a job has been more difficult for her sister, Rachel, a senior politics major. Sara explains that her sister has been looking for a job in Washington, D.C. but it has been hard for her to "get a foot in the door." While she had a couple opportunities, she had to pass them up because the required her to start before she graduated.
Another problem she faces is that many positions require one or two years of experience in a specific field while Rachel has only had internships with other concentrations.
Keiffer encourages Messiah students not to get frustrated with the job search. Even if you don't land your "dream job" after graduation, any job is a "stepping stone" to build a career, says Keiffer. He adds that students shouldn't expect to get away with being passive about preparing for a job; now they have to be more intentional.
A good way to prepare for graduation is to have related work experience, internships, and an effective resume. It's never too late to get started, Keiffer says.
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