Yeah! This is your senior year in college. Are you ready for the workforce? Do you have a job in place?
Hopefully, you have been planning for your graduation since the first day you hit campus as a freshman. You have worked with at least two companies as an intern and you have job offers from both; you have applied to graduate schools and have been accepted by one. All you have to do now is pass the last few classes.
Right?
OK, back to reality. A few students are ready. However, you may have some work to do. Therefore, let's make this process easy and get you on the right track. Your senior year is going to be busy and demanding. But you will have fun as well. This article will provide you with a senior year guide to your career aspiration: your job!
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
Once you are back to campus, make sure you schedule an appointment with your academic advisor. Find out, in writing, the classes you need to complete before graduation in the spring. Hopefully, you registered for classes via computer last semester. If not, make sure you do-immediately. Also, check with your academic advisor about courses offered for spring semester.
Take time to update your resume and cover letter. Both should be in impeccable condition with no typos, spelling or grammatical errors. Use matching bond resume paper and envelope if you plan to mail copies to employers. Brush up on interviewing skills. Plan your job search strategy by researching companies that interest you. Begin a self-assessment of yourself. Visit the campus career center to speak with a career counselor to assist you in refining your career interests, values, skills, and goals.
This is a key step to launching a successful job search. You'll find a wealth of information and guidance on your job search. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, more than 80 percent of students who reported having full-time job offers before graduation used the career center (Job Choices, 2009).
Attend your campus career fair and research the companies that will be attending. If there is a reception the night before, attend that event; it will be a great opportunity for networking. In addition, employers may host receptions when they visit campus, so attend those as well. Networking is a valuable tool to use in building relationships to assist you in obtaining your job. It is an informal introduction to employers.
OCTOBER
This is a busy month, and you have no time to waste. In October, you begin interviewing with companies that visit your campus via the career center. Interview with all the companies you are interested in working with. By interviewing as much as possible you will become familiar with the process and alleviate nervousness. The interview is your chance to prove to the employer that you are the best qualified candidate for the job.
Additionally, if you are considering graduate school, visit your campus graduate school office to find out when the exams are offered and information on scholarships. The career center and the Internet will have information as well. Some general exams are Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Even if you have not decided to attend graduate school, apply to the university you may want to attend and request scholarship information. Remember, you do not have to attend, but you will need to apply to have options. As part of your benefit package some employers will reimburse you for books and tuition if you attend graduate school.
You should be interviewing, attending companies' informational sessions, and writing thank-you letters to employers who interviewed you. If you need assistance with these letters, the career center will have samples for you to review.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
These two months will include travel for plant visits (second-level interviews), classroom projects and activities, exams, and the holidays. Because of the two holidays, time will go by fast. Therefore, plan so that you will not get behind. You will need to register for your spring classes. Visit with your academic advisor again. Pick up your application for graduation and turn it in by the deadline.
JANUARY
January is the beginning of your last semester before graduation. Most schools require you turn in your graduation application to your department this month. Your next order of business is to review your process from last semester regarding interviews. Clear up any unfinished job prospect. If you do not have a job, you will need to attend the Career Expo on your campus. Also, visit your career center's online system to sign up for interviews.
FEBRUARY/MARCH
These two months will be an opportunity to interview, especially if you do not have any job offers. Another option you may consider is to interview for an internship with the company you would like to work for. This will get your feet in the door and may lead to a full-time position. After the internship, many employers will offer their interns a full-time position.
Yet another option you may want to consider is to volunteer at an employer. Of course, this is not the most popular option, but it can help you make valuable connections and show off your skills. On the other hand, by this time you should have some offers. All offers should be in writing and should include your benefits. You and your employer will negotiate your start date. Usually, the start date will be based on the date of the training program.
If you have multiple job offers, you should set up a guide to assist you with your decision. The guide would include: geographical location, company, type of work, job title, benefits, career path, salary, and other qualities that are important to you. Be sure to check out the Cost of Living Index in each city before you sign the contract. Call the Chamber of Commerce for information on living expenses. You may work with a real estate agent for assistance on housing. Also, your employer may provide you with valuable information. Don't forget about the finals. Keep studying and making excellent grades.
Prepare for graduation. It's time to order your cap, gown and invitations (February).
APRIL
You have reviewed and evaluated your job offers and decided which one you will take. Respond to all offers in writing, especially the ones you will not accept. It is important that you decline all offers diplomatically and professionally. You may later want to work for one of the employers you previously declined.
Provide your career center with a copy of all offers and inform them of which job you will accept. Statistical data is needed for accountability in the career center.
MAY
After graduation and the celebration, it's time to get to work. You know where you will be working and living. If this is a new city, take time to get to know the location of valuable places. Spend time online to get to know your new employer. Make friends as you network with your new city.
JUNE/JULY/AUGUST
If for some reason (such as needing one class) you did not graduate, use this semester to your advantage. Take classes that will boost your GPA and/or give you a competitive edge in the job market, such as a second language or computer class.
This is your senior year; it will go by fast. Make the most of it and be prepared. It's just one year, but with luck, by the end of it you will have your degree and the job in hand.
You have the rest of your life to enjoy.
Good Luck!
