Students should stay motivated in job hunt

Brent Gardiner is one of the lucky ones. The economics major has a job as an associate consultant waiting when he graduates from UC Davis this month.

Many of his friends aren't as fortunate.

Marcie Kirk-Holland, project manager at the UC Davis Internship and Career Center, urges those students to stay motivated, despite California's 12.6-percent unemployment rate. "Don't give up! There really are people getting jobs," she said.

According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, about 24 percent of college seniors looking for a career will have a job waiting for them when they graduate. Last year, it was 20 percent.

The Internship and Career Center is a great place to start looking for jobs. It's what led to Gardiner's success.

When Gardiner went looking last year for a summer internship, the center's staff mentioned Triage, a San Francisco financial firm that helps the health care industry, and an upcoming career fair.

Gardiner spoke with a Triage representative at the fair, then went to an information session and sent a resumé to the company. He got the summer internship, and when it was done, he was promised a job when he graduated.

"It feels pretty good to have a position lined up. It's really stressful," said Gardiner, of Palo Alto. "I can't imagine trying to finish school while applying for jobs."

Workshops and other help

The career center offers a wide range of resources for students and alumni, including Aggie Job Link, a database of jobs and internships.

"Employers post positions with us specifically because they are looking for student interns or recent grads with the skills and academic background that come with a UC Davis education," Kirk-Holland said.

The career center also will host a series of job-search workshops, called Hire Me Academy, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 16 and 17. It's for graduating seniors, recent alumni and those looking for summer jobs.

Networking

Kirk-Holland encourages student job-seekers "to network and let former internship supervisors, employers, mentors, family and friends know they are in a job search."

Gardiner agreed that students shouldn't be shy about using their contacts, no matter how minor. "If they say they might be able to help you, definitely take them up on it," he said.

The career center coaches students on the importance of articulating their skills and saying how they might be applied.

"For example, if someone studied economics, they likely have strong analytical and quantitative skills," Kirk-Holland said. She also encourages students to craft their own 30-second commercial: a quick description of what they are looking for and have to offer. This summary gives a starting point for those who want to help the job seeker.

What if you don't have a job by the time you graduate?

"Assess what you need most," Kirk-Holland said. "Are there skills you lack? How can you develop those?" she said. "Sometimes volunteering is an option. Online tutorials are available for many software programs.

"Even a part-time job can help you break into something more permanent. It's easier to get a job when you have one."

Gardiner offered best wishes to those trying to find a job during this tough economy. "It's been picking up. You just have to remain hopeful. You can't get too down or discouraged. You just have to keep trying."