By Danielle Larson
Editor-in-Chief
Students, do not let the bleak outlook of the economy ruin your post-graduation plans; there happens to be good news for those of you who are graduating within the next couple of years.
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According to a press release by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), “The professional work force is aging and shrinking.” Approximately 24 million baby boomers have left the workforce within the last five years, and “the number of baby boomers — aged 44 to 62 — working will shrink while the pool of available workers — aged 25 to 44 — will decrease, too,” said NACE.
Graduates should be excited to know that companies that are dealing with retiring baby boomers want to hire new graduates who can be trained as the future leaders for their organizations, said NACE.
However, before you soon-to-be graduates get too excited, you should know that it takes work to get a job. Jackie Baker, director of internships and career services, said, “Job hunting is a lot of work and is almost a full-time job itself.”
Baker said, “Students need to be proactive in their job search. (They) cannot sit back and wait for a job.”
According to Baker, students need to do everything they can to get their resumes noticed. They can get internships, take on leadership roles or volunteer. Also, they should be working on their G.P.A., communication skills, interview skills and interpersonal skills.
According to NACE, there are four things students can do to increase their chances at getting a job offer: use the resources available to them, for example, Saint Mary’s University Internship and Career Services Office; research employers and their opportunities; network; and get relevant work experience through full- or part-time jobs, volunteer work or internships.
Lastly, Baker said students should not be discouraged by what they hear in the media in relation to the job market. “You may not land your ideal job right after graduation, not many students do, but most work experiences provide a stepping-stone to something bigger and better.”
Baker encourages students to stop by the Internship and Career Services Office in Saint Mary’s Hall, room 136. You can reach her by email at
jbaker@smumn.edu or by phone at 507-457-6695.
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