BY DANIEL KIM
STAFF WRITER
Four years in college is a long time, but without a clear direction and concrete action plan, it is not unlikely for college students to find themselves without jobs upon graduation. The odds of finding a job, let alone a good one, is slim.
A recent study shows 16.8 percent of young college graduates are underemployed and 8.5 percent are unemployed. This is largely due to the deep lasting impact of the 2008 recession.
Fortunately, Franciscan University students have access to an abundance of resources to overcome this hard time. Career Services aids students in the next step after college by having one-on-one appointments and by organizing various workshops.
“It’s important to plan for the next step, and we are here to help,” said Nancy Ronevich, director of Franciscan University’s Career Services.
Resume writing, mock interviews and potential internship positions are only a small portion of subjects that Career Services handle. Ronevich encourages all Franciscan students to start preparing now.
“Even if you haven’t the slightest idea, we will work with you to figure out what and how,” said Ronevich.
It is often a daunting task to set up an appointment if it is a student’s first time. For that reason, Career Services offers “Walk-in Wednesday” where Franciscan students can come in at any time without a prior appointment to sit down and talk with either Ronevich or Meg Sprochi, career counselor.
Career Services always strives to serve the students better. This semester alone a new workshop called “Transition to Workplace” has been created, and the mock interview program has been expanded. In addition, the job and internship fair provides an opportunity for the students to network and talk with employers. This event will be held on campus March 25.
Additionally, Ronevich recently organized a bus trip to Columbus, Ohio, in order for Franciscan students to attend CareerFest where they had the opportunity to meet more than one hundred possible future employers.
Even with so many programs, events and workshops, students often fail to take full advantage of the opportunities. Only a small ratio of the Franciscan student body takes the time to schedule appointments or to show up to workshops. The open welcome and offer of help are discounted.
“I think a lot of people are intimidated,” said Emily Hooper, senior math and theology major and peer mentor, who volunteers to help fellow students with resume writing and interviews. “I hope more people are aware of things we offer.”