Just in Case: Job hunting
Michael Suglio
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Focus
Other than the career fair, how should I go about looking for a job after I graduate? I'm already a junior, and I'm really starting to worry about my future.
Sadly, this is not the best time to be job hunting. I'm graduating in a few weeks, and things do not look pretty. However, I do have a couple possibilities and am more than happy to give you some advice. All current and future Case alumni should look out for each other; we don't want to find alumni working fast food.
I would first check out the Career Center. It always shocks me how few people know about the Career Center, especially when they are so helpful. I scheduled an appointment with them over the summer to talk with a counselor about searching for jobs in general. The counselor guided me through the Career Center webpage and showed me how to use the several job search engines that are specific to college students. The job search engines we looked at were far more valuable than any of well-known job search engines that you see tons of commercials for while you are trying to watch House. You may think, "I can just search the website myself," but the counselor gives you tidbits of advice along the way, which were very helpful when I later revisited the site.
Also, work on your networking skills. Who do you know? Case often has functions in which you can meet with lawyers, doctors, etc. and discuss what it is like to work in that profession, and ask where to start after you have graduated. In addition, talk to your professors. I'm sure they can give you some guidance or at least tell you what they did. Professors love to share with you their own story, often if you like it or not. Ask them if they are in contact with other recent alumni and what is the trend of work recent graduates are doing.
An idea that often is not considered is to apply for grants. There are several foundations across the country that are willing to fund your projects or research. Have you always wanted to write music, but could never take off of work to do it? Here is your chance. It may be hard to get funding, but by no means is it impossible. If you apply to many foundations, the chance of funding will obviously increase. There are several books you can purchase that explain how to write grant proposals. Plus, you will be your own boss. Being self-employed is always a good thing.
Try to start working while you are still in school. The employer might pay for your graduate tuition or even your current tuition. Adding any job to your résumé will be helpful, plus you'll be making money! Go to student employment and check out their huge binder, filled with several open jobs on campus.
If you start job hunting early, you will be ahead of many who start searching after they graduate. You should always keep working, even if you have to clean toilets. Working any job is better than not having a job. Not only will it build your résumé and show your future employer that you have work experience, but you will earn some money that can be saved for travel or going back to graduate school.
If you have a question you'd like answered by our crack team of experts, please e-mail advice@case.edu. We'd be more than happy to help!
Sadly, this is not the best time to be job hunting. I'm graduating in a few weeks, and things do not look pretty. However, I do have a couple possibilities and am more than happy to give you some advice. All current and future Case alumni should look out for each other; we don't want to find alumni working fast food.
I would first check out the Career Center. It always shocks me how few people know about the Career Center, especially when they are so helpful. I scheduled an appointment with them over the summer to talk with a counselor about searching for jobs in general. The counselor guided me through the Career Center webpage and showed me how to use the several job search engines that are specific to college students. The job search engines we looked at were far more valuable than any of well-known job search engines that you see tons of commercials for while you are trying to watch House. You may think, "I can just search the website myself," but the counselor gives you tidbits of advice along the way, which were very helpful when I later revisited the site.
Also, work on your networking skills. Who do you know? Case often has functions in which you can meet with lawyers, doctors, etc. and discuss what it is like to work in that profession, and ask where to start after you have graduated. In addition, talk to your professors. I'm sure they can give you some guidance or at least tell you what they did. Professors love to share with you their own story, often if you like it or not. Ask them if they are in contact with other recent alumni and what is the trend of work recent graduates are doing.
An idea that often is not considered is to apply for grants. There are several foundations across the country that are willing to fund your projects or research. Have you always wanted to write music, but could never take off of work to do it? Here is your chance. It may be hard to get funding, but by no means is it impossible. If you apply to many foundations, the chance of funding will obviously increase. There are several books you can purchase that explain how to write grant proposals. Plus, you will be your own boss. Being self-employed is always a good thing.
Try to start working while you are still in school. The employer might pay for your graduate tuition or even your current tuition. Adding any job to your résumé will be helpful, plus you'll be making money! Go to student employment and check out their huge binder, filled with several open jobs on campus.
If you start job hunting early, you will be ahead of many who start searching after they graduate. You should always keep working, even if you have to clean toilets. Working any job is better than not having a job. Not only will it build your résumé and show your future employer that you have work experience, but you will earn some money that can be saved for travel or going back to graduate school.
If you have a question you'd like answered by our crack team of experts, please e-mail advice@case.edu. We'd be more than happy to help!
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