It's common knowledge the economy isn't doing too well right now. With reports of the stock market falling and numerous companies going under, it's easy to lose hope of attaining a successful job after graduation. As the job market tightens, students are having to be more and more prepared to seek out career paths in the post-college world.
With the Fall Career Fair going on this week at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, students will get a chance to sit down with employers from all over the Lincoln area and explore career opportunities. Larry Routh, director of career services at UNL, said there are a lot of things students can do to go out into the job market with knowledge and experience.
"Sometimes when students see that the job market is getting tighter, they stop looking," Routh said. "There's still hiring going on.
"It's looking good with employers coming to the fair and interviewing students."
Roughly 300 hundred firms will be at the job fair. Routh acknowledged the increasing unemployment, decline in payrolls and fewer jobs, but said there are still many opportunities for success and promising internships.
"Even during tighter times, there's some organizations that still do well," Routh said. "The energy industry continues to grow, for example. Alternative energies are important right now."
The crucial thing is to think ahead.
"My biggest recommendation is to not wait too long," Routh continued. "This is your shot, especially if you're a senior. Some of these companies won't be back until next year. Now is the time to be looking for an summer internship."
Upstairs in the UNL Union, Career Services has companies come to their offices and talk with students year round. A schedule of the employer visits is available online at www.unl.edu/careers. Career Services also provides walk-in counseling.
Adam Herink, vice president of Boyd Jones Construction, will be attending the job fair on Wednesday as a part of the week's engineering section.
"We are lucky to have such good construction/engineering programs in Nebraska," Herink said. "We are approaching this year's career fair the same as in the past years, with the goal being to attract the best and brightest students to Boyd Jones."
Herink said that the slow economy is not detracting from their interest in students.
"We are always looking for talented people who want to work hard," he said. "A team of people with these qualities is the best way to approach a struggling economy."
Boyd Jones will be looking at student's GPAs, extracurricular activities and construction experience, among other things.
"Students that always stand out to me are the ones that approach us, are eager and prepared," Boyd said. "Good, quality questions from students are a great way to engage in a meaningful conversation that I will remember."
Despite the recessive job market, students can use the job fair as a well-directed first step toward their career. Herink's best advice for students attending the fair is to focus on what they want to accomplish within the industry and relay that to all the employers at the career fair.
"It's best for us when both parties have their needs met, and that starts with the students understanding what they want to do," he said.
anthonytroester@dailynebraskan.com
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