Internship experience creates edge in job search market

Are you wondering if participating in an internship would be a valuable experience? According the article below, it will definitely give an edge to new college graduates participating in a job search.

If you are a current student at IU Kokomo, you can contact Candy Norman to learn more about the campus internshp program. Candy can be reached at caanorma@iuk.edu or in KO 280B to set up an appointment to meet with her. Meanwhile, check out the information posted on the web which can be accessed from the Career Services webpage. The internship link is: http://www.iuk.edu/~koctsd/internships.htm.

New College Grads With Internship, Work-Related Experience Have Job Market Edge

New college graduates looking for a job will likely have an edge over their competition if they have participated in an internship or otherwise gained work-related experience, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Approximately 95 percent of the organizations responding to NACE’s Job Outlook 2008 survey said candidate experience is a factor in their hiring decisions. More than three-quarters are most interested in relevant work experience, but nearly 20 percent give candidates points for any type of work experience. On the question of how the experience is gained, respondents were split.

“Slightly more than half of employers told us that they didn’t have a preference on how the candidate gets experience, but nearly as many—47 percent—said they prefer candidates to gain their experience through an internship or cooperative education program,” says Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director.

In addition, results of a separate NACE study show that employers are placing more emphasis on internship and cooperative education programs to “grow” their own employees—looking first to their own interns when they have job opportunities.

“Not only does participation in an internship make the student a more attractive candidate, but also it can be an avenue to a job,” says Mackes.

About NACE: Since 1956, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has been the leading source of information about the employment of college graduates. NACE maintains a virtual press room for the media at http://www.naceweb.org/press.

Conducting an Effective Job Search

It can be a full time job to find a full time job. Fortunately, there are lots of resources out there to help you reach your professional apirations. Here are a few ideas to help you get started. Best of luck in your job search process!

1. Go to your campus career center. They can provide general career guidance, skill and interest assessment tools, help in preparing résumés and cover letters, and practice with your interviewing techniques.

2. Review your recent history. Consider an internship, volunteer work, even working while attending school. You need real experience.

3. Compile an effective résumé. Employers make decisions on whether to interview a candidate in less than 30 seconds, so it's critical to get your résumé right the first time. After creating your first draft, pay a visit to your career services office to assist you in creating the final résumé. Be sure the final copy is error free. Let several people you trust take a look at it.

4. Narrow your search. Begin by making a list of what you want from a job. If during your research you find your college major and career objectives aren't a good match, don't be discouraged. You may need to take some additional courses, acquire a certification or find an internship or job experience to make it happen, but don't let your college major limit your aspirations.

5. Work your network. Use the Internet and campus career services office to look at specific companies that might be a good fit. Do some field research. Attend job fairs to meet prospective employers. Join and make contacts through professional organizations to find out more about your options. Talk to your professors, classmates, alumni, friends and family members to learn more about industry trends - or even about job openings. Use the "ripple effect" to help you learn more about your chosen career field.

Welcome!

Welcome to the IU Kokomo Career Services blog page. As events, news, and happenings come along we will pass and post this information along to you.
We are the "what do you want to be when you grow up" people on campus and are happy to help you work through the stages of career development while you figure out what you want to be ...
Please feel free to comment and ask questions at this location. I look forward to "talking" with you!

Julie D.
Manager, Career Services
Indiana University Kokomo