Campus Times
April 15, 2005
Seniors examined benefits and job offers available after graduation at the Senior Focus Career Workshop held last Friday in the President’s Dining Room.
“A job offer equals salary plus benefits,” said Laura Kiralla, assistant dean of career services and assessment.
The Senior Focus Career Workshop helps seniors make their transition from college to their first job and evaluate job offers and benefits.
“(The) focus of today is to educate students on the understanding benefits for employment,” Kiralla said.
Kiralla walked students through a step-by-step process of evaluating job offers and employee benefits.
“It’s a look at benefit packages (and) negotiating salary,” said Brian Armstrong, leadership development and transition program director.
Armstrong explained that the event was a transition out of college, just like orientation is a transition into college.
“I thought (the workshop) was very insightful,” said creative writing major Sara Lesniak.
Lesniak said that prior to the event, she did not know what choices were available as far as coverage.
However, she felt the topic of health benefits proved the most helpful for her.
Armstrong explained that the workshop was a way for students to determine their own “person to job” fit.
It was an opportunity for students to compare their salary with the benefits offered and decide, “Is this really a place I want to work?”
After their senior year, many students are faced with the reality that they must find their own health insurance and decide which job benefits are best for their personal situation.
According to an article titled “Health Insurance on a Budget After Leaving Home,” the average age of students who are cut from their parents’ health plan is between 22 and 25.
Many students are not aware of the benefits offered to new employees.
“Some benefits like medical, dental, and vision are up front,” Kiralla said. “Retirement (and) tuition reimbursement are often depending on years of experience.”
Kiralla emphasizes that when it comes to job offer negotiations students do have the power to negotiate their benefits.
Kiralla handed out job offer checklists to help students ask about certain benefits when contacted with job offers.
The front page has a “Topic Area” section with many benefits available listed, a section of “Potential Questions” for companies and a “Their Response” section for students to take notes on the benefits offered.
The back page was a Benefits Comparison Form; it allows students to compare benefits from two different job offers.
Kiralla also handed out a packet to help students understand their benefits. The packet consists of three sections:
“Evaluating Your Benefits Package,” “Evaluating Your Job Offer” and “Successful Job Offer Negotiation.”
“I’m planning for 30 students (to show up),” said Armstrong prior to the event. “I’m hoping for more. I would love to see a great turnout.”
Contrary to Armstrong’s hopes, only two students and one faculty member came to the event.
The Office of Student Life will also host a financial workshop for seniors on April 20 and a senior reception in May.
This reception will allow seniors to celebrate with faculty and their peers, Armstrong said.
Next year the Office of Student Life will have programs for freshmen and sophomores.
The Office of Student Life sponsored the Senior Focus Career Workshop.
Alexandra Lozano can be reached at himelozano@juno.com.