Schools working harder to help grads find work

ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — With the national unemployment rate near 10 percent, career services departments at colleges are working harder than ever to help their students find jobs.
Students need to take a multi-pronged approach to their job search, said Rebecca B. Maguda, director of the career services office on Penn State’s Altoona campus, located about 80 miles east of Pittsburgh and northwest of Harrisburg.
“Networking is the key. Their contacts can expose them to the hidden job market. You have to be an active job seeker and put time into it on a weekly basis and follow up on those leads,” Maguda said. “The job search can seem like a full-time job in itself.”
Networking can be very important, said Darwin Kysor, director of career services at Juniata College in Huntingdon, less than 30 miles east of Altoona.
He said the college has recently emphasized using alumni as networking consultants.
“They are a great resource for us and our students,” Kysor said. “Through networking, you can get leads and an interview and a chance to sell yourself.”
Internships can also be a valuable tool toward landing a job.
Larry Brugh, the assistant dean of student affairs and director of career services at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, about 10 miles west of Altoona, said he is a big proponent of internships, which sometimes lead to job offers.
“Students really need the everyday experience and to get hands-on training so they are more marketable,” Brugh said.
Persistence and a good attitude are very helpful.
Julie Barris, director of career services at St. Francis University in nearby Loretto, said students need a healthy dose of both.
“Students need to have persistence and a positive attitude. I believe persistence pays off,” Barris said. “I believe a positive attitude and persistence and a good plan will open up opportunities for them.”
Kysor agreed that persistence is important and recommended students work at getting a job.
“If you are waiting for someone to come to you and offer you a job, you are going to be sitting around a long time,” Kysor said. “In this economy, you have to be more proactive. Being persistent is one of the biggest keys.”
Students should take advantage of the career services departments at their colleges, which offer numerous resources including career fairs. Penn State Altoona held one in mid-October that attracted more than 50 employers.
Maguda said career fairs give students and alumni an opportunity to network with potential employers.
“We urge students to get out to these with polished resumes and interview skills,” Brugh said. “They need to sell themselves harder than in the past.”
Kysor said he is working more closely with his students this year, too. He said he set a goal of meeting individually with each senior.
“I am reaching out to them individually and asking them what are their plans and how can I help them achieve that,” Kysor said. “Sometimes they still appreciate that personal touch.”
Companies are looking for well-rounded job candidates with a strong work ethic.
“They are looking for people who are involved in extracurricular activities, community service and have leadership skills — people who have the full package,” Brugh said. “If there are two people with an equal grade point average, it would be a no-brainer to take the candidate with the full package.”
“Any type of experience can help build your resume,” Barris said. “Get an internship, do volunteer work, anything like that looks good to put on your resume.”
Geographic flexibility is very helpful, Kysor said.
“If you are willing to go where the jobs are, that can be to your advantage,” Kysor said. “I talked to some of my colleagues, and they can’t get students to leave town after they graduate. That isn’t a problem here.”
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