Graduates start job search

As of 2012 there has been a 12 percent increase of new college graduates hired in the job market, and full-time job postings continue to increase from 2011 by 46 percent.

UW-River Falls students approaching graduation are ready to enter into the job market and express concerns and strategies of finding prospective jobs fresh out of college.

“I don’t have a job lined up yet, but I’m not nervous about it,” said Bobby Weske, a marketing communications major who will be graduating this spring.

Weske said he will continue to work at his part time job and send out his resume as he continues to search for a job in his major.

Similar to Weske, Ashley Elumba said she wanted to work at her current job of five years until she “finds a big girl job,” or the possibility of a new position opening with higher pay and title.

“I’ll fall back on my current position with Pepsi if all else fails, but my goal is to continue to build up my rsum,” said Adam Anderson, a business administration major.

Anderson said he has used Career Services on campus in the past to help build his rsum and prepare for interviews.

Career Services is an option that is available to all UWRF students and is also free to alumni.

Career Services helps guide individuals with career counseling and determine career options within a major.

Director of Career Services Melissa Wilson assists with finding jobs/internships, writing rsums and cover letters, developing portfolios, and preparing for interviews.

“Not looking until after graduation puts them at a disadvantage,” Wilson said.

Seniors are the majority of clients that use the provided services, and during the 2011 – 2012 school year, there were a total of 1,707 appointments made for career counseling and assistance.

Ellie Voss, an animal science equine option major, will be graduating Dec. 15, the commencement date for fall 2013.

Voss’ plan is to attend graduate school so she does not have to focus on finding a job immediately after graduation. She said the job market for physicians’ assistants is good, and is therefore not concerned for job placement after her additional degree is complete.
“Student teaching is my next step after graduation,” said Haley Selkirk, a broad field social studies major.

Selkirk said it is a broad demand and there are many possibilities to come.

“There will always be a need for teachers because there will always be kids,” Selkirk said.

There is a common readiness to graduate among all of the four students. Plans to reach their career goals are set in place, and two of the four will continue to use the help provided by Career Services.

Wilson provided words of wisdom to students reaching the particular milestone of completing college and looking for jobs.

“You should really view it as a full-time job as a new college graduate.”