Career Services guides graduates

It’s no secret that the economy has seen better days, which often makes job hunting and starting a career seem like a daunting task for many recent graduates. 

 

Thanks to UNC’s Career Services, these students don’t have to face it alone.

 

“I think Career Services is definitely a great resource for students,” said Samantha Brescia, a senior journalism major and a former intern with Career Services. “They provide a lot of opportunities to go into their office and have your resume critiqued, and they also have many opportunities for job listings on their website, so I definitely think it is a great resource that students should utilize more.”

 

Renee Welch, the director of Career Services, said the center can critique University of Northern Colorado graduates’ resumes, cover letters and applications for both jobs and graduate schools. Counselors can also help graduates ensure their graduate program essays match the program’s requirements.

 

Graduates can also set up mock interviews with counselors, which can be recorded if the graduates wish, so they can learn how to answer questions in a manner that will land them a job. Counselors even provide assistance to graduates in negotiating salaries and deciding between multiple job offers.

 

Career Services is also providing these services and more during the Denver Career Connect Workshop at 6 p.m. May 10 at the UNC Denver Center at Lowry, 1059 Alton Way Bldg. 758. The workshop will feature three sessions including using social media to aid in the job search, successful interviewing techniques and individual resume and cover letter critiques. The workshop is $5 for alumni.

 

Social media websites are another tool Welch suggests graduates use in their job search. 

 

“In my opinion, it’s mad to not do it,” Welch said. “There are huge advantages to students who learn about networking.”

 

For many graduates, their first job after graduation may be their first job in a professional setting, which is something that graduates should take into consideration concerning the way they act.

 

“I would say as they’re starting to work, graduates need to be mindful of the culture they are becoming a part of,” Welch said. “Showing up late is not acceptable. Watch your colleagues around you and learn professionalism. Find a mentor to help you gain skills, learn the culture, gain access to another role or advance. A mentorship is important for new graduates.” 

 

Welch said graduates should do their best to stay involved in their major fields in some way.

 

“If a student is experiencing unemployment, I encourage them to find ways to stay connected,” Welch said. “Join a national association, shadow employers, volunteer — anything they can do to stay connected in the field is huge. Try to maintain their skill set, try to stay connected and access Career Services.”

 

Counselors with Career Services are available to help students find jobs, internships and other ways to stay connected.

 

Bears Career Connection, Career Services’ database of available jobs and internships in numerous fields, can be found at www.unco.edu/careers.