Presented by Career Services...Your Link to the Future Office of the Vice-President for Undergraduate Education
This issue sponsored by A Supplement Yo ur g u i d e t o j o b s , i n tern sh ips, an d gradu ate sch ool Volume 37 #3
November 2, 2010
“WHAT DO I DO IN TODAY’S JOB MARKET?” An Interview with Richard White, Director of Career Services
During the last two years, the “business news” has become “front-page news”—and the news remains sobering. The Wall Street crisis, mortgage crisis, bank bailout, auto-industry bailout, declining home values, and an unemployment rate stuck around 10% are stories that are frequently in the news and causes for concern. Who would have thought that gas below $2.50 a gallon would be GOOD NEWS? But there are some bright spots and some concrete things that you can do to land a job in tough times. “Careers” spoke with Dr. Richard White last week. Is there any good news on the employment front? In the current climate, “good news” is a relative term. The New Jersey unemployment rate recently fell to 9.4%, just above the national rate of 9.2%. In its fall 2010 “Job Outlook” survey, the National Association of Colleges and Employers predicts a 13% increase in entry-level hiring in 2011 compared to 2010. In short, it appears that 2011 graduates will enter a more promising job market than 2009 and 2010 graduates. How does the entry-level hiring market compare to the general job market? Having worked as a corporate recruiter in the eighties and at Rutgers since 1990, I believe that most companies understand the importance of bringing new talent into their organizations, even during slow economic times. In addition, entry-level hires are not as “expensive” as seasoned professionals and middle managers. The result is that recent college graduates may have a leg up on their more experienced competition. Also keep in mind that the national unemployment rate for all college grads is only 4.6% - about half the overall rate. What are the most promising fields for college grads? There are lots of opportunities in accounting, engi-
In This Issue What Do I Do in Today's Job Market? 1 Why Should I Attend the Graduate & 1 Professional School Day? 1 Where RU Headed Director’s Desk Staff Directory Ask the Director Federal Jobs Career Day AD
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Alumni Success Story Alumni Career Network AD Speed Networking AD
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Faculty Advice Column Internship Spotlight: Merck PRSSA AD Collegiate Career Day
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Merck AD
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Career Opportunities for Majors in... 6 6 Career Services Inbox 6 Big East Fair AD Upcoming Career Panels Services for Students Spin AD
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Fall 2010 Events Today's Job Market continued
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Why Should I Attend the Graduate & Professional School Day? Once you leave Rutgers, you will not likely have the opportunity to have 140 graduate and professional schools coming to you, in one place, at one time! This is one of the many advantages of being a Rutgers student or employee. Graduate school may also be a smart alternative in today’s job market. Whether you are just thinking about an advanced degree, or you are currently applying to schools, come speak personally with school representatives to start planning ahead, learn the vast array of programs available to you, get details on a specific program, or meet someone from an admissions office at a school you’ve applied to and who may be reviewing your application! Master’s degree students interested in pursuing a PhD or other advanced degree can also benefit by attending. This event is open to all students and staff! Don’t miss the Graduate & Professional School Day on Wednesday, November 3 at the Rutgers Student Center from 12:30 – 3:30. We strongly believe that the internet cannot replace face-to-face contact with graduate school admissions representatives. Go to http : //ca reerser vices. r u tgers. ed u and click on this event on our homepage.
neering, nursing, and technology. The federal government, the nation’s largest employer, also has plenty of openings. The numbers are only expected to grow in the coming years, as the aging federal workers retire in significant numbers. How can Career Services help? We offer a number of employment services to assist you with your job search: CareerKnight—This is our on-campus interview and job posting system. Register at http://careerservices.rutgers.edu for access to jobs, internships, on-campus interviews, and employer information sessions.
Career Days—We offer 12 on-campus events a year. Our next event is the Federal Jobs Career Day on November 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the RSC. We expect close to 30 federal agencies. Employer Information Sessions—Make personal contact with employers. Most sessions are in the early evening at the BCC or RSC. Networking—Make a list of 10 people whom you know well and who are currently working. Think about your parents’ friends, parents of your friends, relatives, members of your religious TODAY’S JOB MARKET continued on back
WHERE RU HEADED? We asked students “What advice do you have for students who are unsure about their major?”
Chantel Golding ‘11
Krishen Jalali ‘14
Psychology/Criminal Justice
English/Political Science
“I suggest you think about your own hobbies and interests and talk to any of the Rutgers academic advisors for assistance and suggestions.”
“You should take a wide variety of classes freshman year and see if anything clicks with you. In your free time, participate in clubs or do independent research. I became interested in politics after I took part in political simulation clubs in high school.”
Connor Givens ‘13
Laura Engelman ‘13
Pre-Business
Psychology/Elementary Education
“I would try classes that are most interesting to you. By finding an area that you enjoy, you can eventually find a job that you can be happy with. Many majors can be beneficial too, like business or science.”
“Take a lot of diverse classes. Branch out and take some courses that interest you. After finding an area of interest, talk to a dean. They can give you ideas about what you need to do next.”
Kenny Schulz ‘11
Priscilla Chan ‘14
Journalism and Media Studies
Biology
“I would advise students to take a lot of different classes in their first two years. You never know what you’ll find interesting. I picked up history as a major because I took an intro class freshman year and liked it a lot.”
“Choose something that you’re passionate about. That’s the only way to guarantee you won’t regret your choice in the years to come! If it’s an impractical major, then you can always minor in it.”