Getting the Edge

“Getting the Edge” is a column about what you, the college student, can do to be ahead of the competition in getting that first “all-important” job after graduation.

Our objective is to provide information that will be helpful and “give you the edge” in getting a job.

Information for these columns will be from three career-oriented departments on campus—the NIU Career Counseling and Development Center, the NIU Cooperative Education Department and the NIU Career Planning and Placement Center.

“So … what are you going to do when you get out of college?”

You inwardly groan. You were expecting this. Seems like this question comes out eventually at every family gathering.

You brace yourself knowing full well that if you respond, “I don’t know,” you’ll never hear the end of it.

You’ll be subjected to yet another family discussion on whether or not you picked the right major, whether your degree has any worth and whether Uncle Frank will have any influence in getting you a job.

Well, there’s good news! Some departments on campus are geared to assist students facing career decisions. These departments can help you pick your major, find an internship that will give you experience to put on your resume and even find that first post-graduation job.

The first career decision most students confront is finding a major. Believe it or not, few students arrive on campus knowing what they are going to do with the rest of their lives.

That’s why colleges expose students to a variety of courses. However, sooner or later, the university will require that a major be listed.

This is where the career counseling and development center in Swen Parson Hall can help, as well as a computerized information system called “Discover” which instructs students about various career opportunities.

Presentations are given periodically by speakers representing different occupations. Literature, lining the walls on numerous career topics, is available also.

Once a major is selected, the place to head is the cooperative education department in the Holmes Student Center. Counselors help students find internships, and frankly, work experience looks good on a resume.

The internships are available throughout the immediate area and in all 50 states so they can either be scheduled to coincide with studies or summer employment. The best news is that many internships pay and some departments even give academic credit for a completed internship.

As graduation approaches, students looking to either enter the academic world or the working world should visit the Career Planning and Placement Center in Swen Parson Hall.

The center can provide help to students going in either direction. For those who decide to seek employment, the center has the latest up-to-date labor market information.

Counselors are also on hand to help students with resume writing, interviewing techniques and job searches.

Career planning shouldn’t wait until graduation. Smart students will begin looking at career goals throughout their college years.

Then when someone asks, “So … what are you going to do when you get out of college,” you’ll have your answers—and lots of them. Who needs Uncle Frank anyway?

Ever hear the saying, “You only get one chance to make a first impression?” Think about it as you prepare for an interview.

You are looking at potential employers, hoping to be hired for a job. They are also looking at you.

Many company representatives are looking at you and asking themselves, “Would this person fit in my company?” An interview is not the time to make a fashion statement.

The “buzz word” for interviews is conservative. Both men and women should wear conservative, dark suits with light colored blouses or shirts.

Individuality can be expressed with ties or scarves but make sure not to over do it.

The look should be polished—from top to bottom, and that includes shoes. Women should wear heels and practice walking in them before the interview.

Women should also carry a handbag or purse which matches their shoes. Another area which women need to address conservatively is make-up.

Employers are looking at how you appear as well as listening to what you say. Sometimes they might ask you for lunch to see how you handle a knife and fork and whether you can carry on a conversation while eating.

Being invited out for a meal is done for a purpose. Employers may want to see if you are able to relax with style.

The first impression is very important, and as the saying goes—you only get one chance.