For many college students, the idea of entering the workforce might seem intimidating.
According to Mike Stover, employer development specialist in the Office of Professional and Career Development, Auburn’s College of Business has career coaches who help students develop their resume, interview skills and understanding of industries and job opportunities.
“So from the time you get here, you don’t really know what you want to major in all the way through when you start your first job,” Stover said. “We have coaching and resources throughout that process.”
Stover also said internships are important because they give you a real-world view of what a job might be like.
Riley Bevill, 2008 Auburn University alumna and former Circle editor, said the key to preparing for a future job is involvement.
“Whatever career path you’re interested in, get involved in anything and everything, as much as you can, that you can put on your resume that will give you that experience that a potential employer is going to be looking for,” Bevill said.
After her time as Circle editor, Bevill said she received an internship with Southern Progress Corporation in Birmingham, working for MyHomeIdeas.com from July-December 2008. The economy took a hit in 2008 and Southern Progress cut expenses, which resulted in loss of magazines.
“It was a little bit difficult,” Bevill said. “I knew what was going on, but I don’t think I realized the full impact of the years ahead that were about to happen.”
She said her boss asked her if she was interested in moving to the New York location.
“I just kind of thought that was just a really far off dream ... that’s harder to make happen,” Bevill said.
Once in New York, Bevill said she had to talk to people to make connections, which led to a job with Health.com and Real Simple Magazine. She said she has been working with websites ever since.
Melissa Voynich works in student engagement and marketing in the Office of Professional and Career Development at Auburn University. As an Auburn University alumna, Voynich said she feels Auburn offers a place where students can gain experience, education and confidence.
“Come into the Career Center or the OPCD or go to your advisor and ask,” Voynich said in an email. “The thought of preparing for a job can be scary, but it’s even more intimidating when students dont start thinking about it until the end of junior year. Then you are in a rush.”
Stover said students should take advantage of any chances to meet with employers within their field.
“The more times that you have an opportunity to interact with recruiters or industry representatives, it just builds those skills and broadens your own personal network,” Stover said.
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