Since the economic crisis swept over the nation, many students have had difficulties finding a job. Students here on campus are no exception.
“Since too many qualified people compete with one another in the job market, it is very hard to get a job without a specific specialty, especially students like me,” Sarah Palmerini, senior, English, said.
Even students who have a job are unsure about future employment.
“I’m currently hired as a part-time sales person, but I do not even know what I am going to end up with after I graduate, it is so unpredictable and difficult to find a job I truly want,” Emily Aobichaux, junior, history, said.
However, some students successfully get a job through the opportunities, which are available for all students who are interested in job-seeking. At the center of the opportunities, the Career Services Center plays a major role in helping students who are looking for a job.
“We centralize all job-related services here at University of Missouri-St. Louis Career Service[s] Center. Any students from any academic program can tap into our services,” Teresa Balestreri, a director of Career Services, said. “All information you might need about your future career has been posted on our website. Information ranges from available part time jobs to how to write a resume.”
Students agree with how helpful career services can be.
“I actually brought my resume there for help, and it was very helpful in terms of learning how to market myself in the job market,” Oric Buri, senior, accounting, said.
Information and tips about job-searching are available online. All students can access the information through the UM-St. Louis’ Career Services website. Currently, about 1,100 students are enrolled in the computer system of the Career Services Center.
“We also welcome students [to] visit our center for help, what we do is to have an individual conversation in order to connect them to the most appropriate position based on their skills and interests,” Balestreri said.
According to the survey, which is conducted by the Career Services Center, 83 percent of students who have graduated from UM-St. Louis either found a job or got into the graduate school within six months.
“As the survey outcome demonstrates, UM-St. Louis students are very focused, therefore, what we do is to assist them to learn how to market themselves,” Balestreri said. “There will be many job-searching programs and events sponsored by [the] Career Service[s] Center during September and October. I hope more students actively utilize those opportunities for their future career.”
The next job fair will be held on September 24 in the Mark Twain building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Currently, 56 companies have been registered for the job fair and about 20 to 40 more companies are expected to register by the date of the fair. About 150 internships will be available for students at the job fair as well.
“I highly encourage students to attend the job fair, they may walk out of the door without getting a job, but they can make connections with their future employers,” Balestreri said.