Eric Watt/Contributing Writer
Students in the College of Business that are hunting for careers have an ideal method of securing a job through Career Management Services that provides an abundance of services that can help tailor a business student for employment.
According to John Nykolaiszyn, associate director of CMS in the College of Business, contact is kept with around 2,500 registered companies and currently 275 active job postings that are updated monthly to keep opportunities available for registered students. The CMS also hosts events like panel discussions, info sessions, career fairs and etiquette lunches and dinners for students to broaden the scope of job opportunities and advise students how to interact in social situations.
These services are not only limited to undergraduate students, but to graduate students and alumni as well.
“There are so many people of the same age out there that it increases competition,” said Ryan Emigh, senior finance major. “There are thousands of kids graduating from college and only a handful of jobs available for them.”
Emigh said the importance of networking and connections plays a pivotal role in securing a career.
“Employers have been getting pickier about resumes, degrees and skill sets.” said Emigh.
The College of Business provides resources to make job-hunting easier for students. Honors programs such as Honors in International Business are available for sharpening skills and a general understanding of business’ application in differing cultures. The problem has become whether or not students are taking the initiative to work with the available material.
Nykolaiszyn stressed the idea of “access and utilization.”
Students may be facing a problem in the job market because, while the material on campus is accessible, they might not be putting it to use.
“Students are responsible for making their own networks. We can’t just plug you into a networking opportunity, but we can certainly give you the material to work with,” Nykolaiszyn said.
During events like panel discussions, CMS invites experts and well-respected entrepreneurs to offer advice to students. Resume and interview preparation services are also available for students who are actively taking part in job hunting. Emigh said even professors are willing to help, providing networking opportunities and letters of recommendation.
The College of Business, despite the programs it offers, still receives some degree of negative feedback from the students.
“The tools are given but there is no help in actually applying them,” said Jose Rodriguez, senior business management major. “Everything is more theoretical than hands on. Experience is necessary for this field.”
