Students will face difficult job market this summer

by Adrianna Gardner
Staff Writer
photography by Adam Omernik

While all University of La Verne seniors may be excited about the coming summer break, many students are also looking for job opportunities that will both advance their careers and fill their pocketbooks.

It’s a love-hate relationship.

No one likes to work during the summer but most students must to pay for books and have some money on the side.

The current job market is competitive, requiring those looking for jobs to put a lot of effort into their searches.

“Seniors should be concerned about employment,” said Laura Kiralla, director of career development and placement.

“It is a tough and competitive job market, especially in Southern California,” Kiralla said.

She added that with good networking, proper job search technique, clear understanding of career paths and a good resume, students will find employment in a shorter period of time.

The job hunt requires investment of time and energy.

Many students are also anxious about the possibility of career placement after graduation.

But according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook, 2004 employers expect to hire many new college graduates.

Employers will have increased their just-out-of-college hires by more than 12 percent during the 2003-04, compared to 2002-03, according to the Job Outlook report.

Prospects are slightly better in the Western United States, were employers plan to increase their college hires by 13.3 percent this year.

Still, senior art major LaVenna Ware said she is nervous about entering the job market post-graduation.

After applying recently for several positions, she said she found that employers are looking for practical experience – not just doing art shows.

The Job Outlook reports that employers believe both internship experience and relevant work experience are important employee criteria.

In addition communication skills – both verbal and written – honesty and good interpersonal skills were top qualities, according to employers.

Senior Neal Houska, broadcasting major, has not had much luck in the job market.

He said it has been difficult juggling the search and school.

Even after attendance of a career fair in Las Vegas, put on by the National Association of Broadcasters and Broadcast Education Association, Houska continues to connect with friends in the business with hopes of becoming a sports anchor.

“It’s not what you know,” Houska said about the many jobs in his field that are not entry level positions. “It’s who you know.”

Some students are taking a laid back approach to the job search while others seek out multiple resources.

The Career Development and Placement Center encourages students to work with their professors, whose experiences and connections can be helpful.

This year employers say they will specifically be looking for recent graduates in engineering, business and computer-related disciplines.

This is good news for senior Brandon Jones, who is a accounting major and has linked up with staffing and accounting firms to assist him in his search.

After interviews with Ajiloe Finance, Hudson Global Resources and Abacus Staffing, Jones will be assisted in job placement by these career professionals.

In addition to visiting the University’s career center several days a week, Jones recommends looking at what is required in the job description – even if it seems out of range.

Meanwhile, prospects for senior broadcasting major Andi Nunez look good.

She landed two internships with the Mark Burnett Production Company – producer of “Survivor” among other reality TV shows –  one of which starts two weeks prior to graduation.

“I think a lot of people are intimidated,” Nunez said. “But they should not limit themselves.”

Tenacity was the key for sophomore Janah Valenzuela, public relations major.

Valenzuela has completed an internship with the film production company Motiv Films and has recently become employed at Starbucks after having applied for two and a half years.

“You have to pursue what you want.”

“Go to the mall by your homes. Try out different stores.”
–Steve Almaraz, sophomore international business major

“Go in with high hopes, and don’t limit yourself. Just try to see it- even if the description seems out of range.”
–Brandon Jones, senior accounting major

“Be prepared. Have a good resume. Practice good interviewing skills.”
–Callie Fikter, junior broadcasting major

“I think a lot of people are intimidated. But they should not limit themselves.”
–Andi Nunez, senior broadcasting major

“Know what you want to do and enjoy doing it. Be open minded and realistic.”
–Janah Valenzuela, sophomore public relations major

“Keep applying.”
–Adam Hilton, sophomore psychology major

“Be flexible and well-rounded, and try to see what works for you.”
–Neal Houska, senior broadcasting major