The graduating class of 2008 had it rough and now I’m sorry to say class of 2009 you have it much worse. The job outlook is bleak and the competition is fierce so you must, must do everything that you can to stand out from the crowd. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) just completed its 2009 Student Survey. It shows that just 19.7 percent of 2009 graduates who applied for a job actually have one. In comparison, 51 percent of those graduating in 2007 (full story).
The staff at Recipe 4 Success have said it before and we’ll say it again…use your time wisely. What does that mean exactly? It means that even though you would much rather be working at a pool all summer where you can work on your tan or work for the family business because it’s easy and there’s no way that they would fire you – you absolutely need to do at least one if not two internships before you graduate.
Internships are a great way to gain experience in your field, develop contacts and most importantly build your resume. I can’t tell you how many managers I talk to that say they are receiving resumes with NO work experience and they are from students heading in to their senior year of college! In today’s job market this is just simply unacceptable. There are plenty of online resources available to help you with your internship search as well as speaking with your counselors and professors at school. Another great way to make use of your summer break is to attend some conferences in your area. You never know who you are going to meet and they are a great way to network. Upcoming Health Promotion Conferences:
- National Wellness Institute – Stevens Point, WI July 18-23, 2009
- American Public Health Association – Philadelphia, PA November 7-11, 2009
