No Job... Now What?

So, you are about to graduate and you don't have a job. Don't panic. Only 50% of your peers will have jobs at graduation. If you don't have a job, you are in good company.

Only you can decide how important it is for you to have a job at graduation. Other tasks and activities may take priority over the job search process at this point in your senior year. Don't let anyone tell you what you should be doing and what is right, it is up to you!! Maybe you want to travel through Europe before getting serious about a job---great do it!! Maybe you want to do a post-baccalaureate internship over the summer before looking for employment in a certain field---great do it! Do what is right for you!!

Let's talk about two scenarios: First -- you are about to graduate and you don't know what kind of job you want to look for. You have already found out that it is tough to conduct a job search when you don't know what you want to do. How can we help?

Scenario One: I Don't Know What I'm Looking For...

Career testing:

The COPS and FOCUS plus other career assessments are administered to help you gather information about your interests and personality characteristics. Make an appointment.

Available in the Career Library

"What can I do with a major in......." This is available online (see link on Student Information page) or in printed form in the Career Services Library. This can help you identify career fields associated with your major that you may not have considered.

Informational interviewing:

There is no better way to network or to gather information about the world-of-work than through informational interviewing. Interview a Furman alum to compare occupations or to gather information about a specific interest area. Don't forget to write them a thank you note! Let the office arrange one for you today.

Second scenario: You are about to graduate and you have narrowed your options to two or three interest areas and you need to know how to look for jobs in those areas. How can we help?

Scenario Two: Looking For Jobs in Specific Areas

Web Job Listings:

Employers often send, call or fax in job announcements looking for Columbia College graduates. These positions are posted to this site and are added daily. Columbia College is part of a consortium of colleges from across the country that share job listings, so you will find listings nationwide

Internet resources:

Visit this page to gain access to the most popular job posting Web sites on the Internet.

Reciprocity letters:

At your request, a letter can be written requesting reciprocal services at a college/university closer to the place where you will live following graduation. These services often involve access to job announcements in that particular location, although services will differ at each institution. Contact the office to request this service.

Campus recruiting contacts:

If you chose not to participate in campus recruiting during your senior year, don't panic. You may request the names of the recruiters that came to campus and contact them directly. Feel free to make an appointment with the Career Services Center to talk about your individual situation. Call for an appointment.

The Office of Career Services is available to both students and alumni. When you are ready to begin your job search, we are here!

Please send any comments or questions to Career Services Center.