Is There A Looming Student Loan Debt Crisis? (Part Two)

In the last post, we examined the rapidly increasing cost of a college education and the possibility of a student loan crisis similar to the recent housing crisis. Three main things led to the housing crisis; more homes and increasing prices led to decreasing values. Considering student loans, we’ve already seen how more people are getting degrees than ever before and how fast costs are increasing. To have a similar bubble, the value of a college education would have to be decreasing.

College graduates make more money than those without a degree on average. It’s a fact that everyone knows. But recent college graduates are struggling, especially in certain fields. Over half of Bachelor’s Degree holders under 25 are jobless or underemployed (holding a job that requires less education than the worker has, such as a college graduate working as a waiter/waitress). As many can imagine, engineering, accounting, computer science, and education majors are faring best. Those with majors in philosophy, art history, humanities, and other related fields are struggling the most.

More recent college graduates work as waiters/waitresses, bartenders, or food service helpers than as engineers, physicists, chemists, and mathematicians. There have always been college graduates working in jobs they’re overqualified for, but it seems to be getting worse. In the short run, some of it is due to the economy, but a longer-running trend exists, as previous blog posts of mine have examined. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that only 3 of the 30 jobs projected to have the most openings in the next ten years will require at least a Bachelor’s degree. Naturally, most of these jobs pay less on average than jobs requiring a degree.

Here’s where the problem lies. We have a lot of recent college graduates working in low-paying jobs. Most of these graduates have student loans to repay, many with large debt loads. A lot of them can’t even make the minimum payment on their loans or any payments at all. Because interest accrues on itself, their debt keeps growing. At the same time, the future job prospects aren’t bright in a lot of fields.

This is bad. There will be a lot of people who will be repaying student loans into their 40’s, 50’s, and even 60’s or later, especially if they borrow a lot of money. There will be people who will never be able to buy a house or help their kids go to college because of loan payments.

Many say the true value of a college degree lies in the knowledge, experiences, and relationships that can only be gained through a college education. It’s true, college is awesome. But there’s a certain point. Is it worth potentially not being able to ever buy a house – fulfilling the American Dream? Of course, this won’t happen to most people. But it will happen to some. How can you prevent being caught in the student loan bubble?

• Keep loans to a minimum. Skimp by as much as possible to prevent your debt load from getting too high.
• Improve your job prospects by making yourself stand out. Many, many college graduates will be very successful in their careers. The difference now is that you must work harder to get there. Gain as much experience as you, apply for as many jobs and internships as you can, and try hard in school.
• Come to Career Services! Our office is here to help you. Our staff will guide you in the right direction as far as gaining experience and entering the job market.

Thank you for reading, I have really enjoyed writing these blog posts. I wish you the best of luck in your career journey.

Landon J. Latham

Career Educator

Is There A Looming Student Loan Debt Crisis? (Part One)

At this point, everyone has heard about the housing crisis that strongly influenced our most recent recession. Property values increased greatly, incentivizing people to buy (and build) homes in hopes they could “flip” them for a profit. The crisis happened when the bubble burst – too many homes resulted in values dropped significantly. People quit buying homes and as a result, a lot of new homeowners ended up with houses that were worth less than they had been purchased for. In addition, the economy caused a lot of people to lose their source of income. High payments coupled with lower incomes caused massive numbers of foreclosures. Five years after the housing bubble burst, home prices are still dropping.

There were three main trends in the housing crisis:

• Too many homes. 
• Too much debt. 
• A drop in home values.

Could the same thing happen with student loans (replacing houses with college degrees)? Surely not, I mean, it’s college! Of course college is worth whatever the cost is. Or is it? For a student loan bubble to occur, the same trends would have to be in place.

The number of college graduates is increasing relative to the population and continues to increase. More high school graduates go straight to college than ever before. The data in the chart only goes to 2003 and the trend has become more pronounced. In 2012, more than 30% of adults 25 and older had Bachelor's degrees for the first time ever. More college graduates is very good for society in several ways. But, it means more competition for jobs requiring college degrees. Your Bachelor's degree isn't doing much for you if you're up against 40 other people with the same degree applying for the same position.

What about debt? Everyone knows that tuition and fees are increasing at a blinding pace. How bad is it? Since 1990, prices have increased an average of 75% for most items. Healthcare costs, another hot topic, have increased about 150%. Tuition and fees have increased 300%. 300% in twenty years and it’s growing exponentially!

Naturally, this has resulted in much higher debt loads for students; if you pay more and more each semester, your total debt will be higher at the end. Also, because of accruing interest, the total payments made will be (significantly) more than the amount originally borrowed. To show this, let’s use Georgia Southern as an example. Students entering in Fall 2008 were guaranteed the same tuition every semester they enrolled. This luxury ended with students entering Fall 2009 and later. If a student entering Fall 2008 paid in-state tuition and borrowed the exact amount needed to pay for tuition and fees each fall and spring semester for four years, their total debt would be $21,999 at graduation (assume standard Stafford Loans with interest of 6.8%). If this loan was paid off in ten years (standard repayment period), the monthly payment would be $253, totaling $30,380 over ten years. The same student entering Fall 2009 would owe $29,135 at graduation. The monthly payments would be $335, totaling $40,234 over ten years. What a difference higher tuition makes – almost $10,000 over the lifetime of a loan!

Keep in mind this is in-state tuition at Georgia Southern, one of the most affordable colleges in the country. Imagine the debt loads at private colleges or public colleges in states not known for affordable college education. While costs have been rising sharply, financial aid has not been kept up. In my next blog post, we will look at the benefit of a college education and put everything together to examine just how a student loan bubble might occur.


Landon J. Latham
Career Educator

Is Grade Inflation Bad?

Even though it might not seem like it on days when you get a test handed back, one of the prominent trends in higher education over the past few decades has been a steady increase in the average GPA’s of college students. In 1960, the average GPA was around a 2.5 (4.0 scale). By 1980, it was around 2.8 and in the 2000’s, approached 3.1.  Have people gotten smarter? No; based on the statistical concept of random sampling and psychological research of intelligence, the people in college today are more or less just as smart as students were in the past. The increase in GPA’s is simply because good grades are easier to get these days. The below chart shows the drastic increase in the number of A’s given over the last half century.

What does this mean for current college students? Let’s start with the good (and the obvious). Good grades are easier to get. This may help marginal students by increasing the likelihood they will grades satisfactory enough to stay in school and potentially even graduate. With the average GPA above 3.0, more students will have GPA’s worthy of being displayed on their resumes.

Unfortunately, there’s also some bad to go along with the good. For top students, it’s now a lot harder to stand out. Good grades won’t cut it anymore. To stand out, you now need other skills such as leadership and communication along with relevant experience. For others, grade inflation could potentially “inflate” their qualifications and lead to problems down the road.

Landon J. Latham

Career Educator

Decoding the Help-Wanted Ads Jargon

Fortune magazine points out something I think most people have noticed – most job postings and help-wanted ads sound the same. For example, “Seeking a motivated team-player” could easily be found in half of the job postings on any career website at any time. With the widespread use of such jargon, what do these words mean? Are employers sending a message to potential employees? Here are what some career experts have to say about commonly used help-wanted buzzwords:

Detail-Oriented: This may be used to describe positions that truly are detail-intensive, such as accounting jobs. Otherwise, it could imply that your supervisor might be somewhat of a “control freak” and you will be heavily scrutinized.

Team Player: This can mean you’re expected to take whatever’s dished out to you. “Team player is a code phrase for someone who will allow us to do whatever we want to you.”

Fast-Paced Work Environment: This indicates the employer expects you to be consistently productive no matter what. It also suggests the workplace is hectic, whether or not that is the industry standard. “Fast paced means you’re going to work more hours than we’re paying you for.”

Multitask: The employer using this phrase expects you to perform different duties beyond the job description. “What they’re trying to say is, ‘We may switch up your job description without telling you and we want you to be okay with it.’”

Self-Starter: This implies the employer will likely provide little in the way of guidance or direction. You’ll be expected to produce on your own.

Results-Oriented or Self-Motivated: This is often used to describe sales positions or other jobs with commission-based pay. You likely have to be very driven to be successful.

Early-Stage or Venture-Backed: This is often used by startups and other small businesses. Don’t expect a lot of available resources or high pay.

Experience in an Entrepreneurial Setting: Similar to the last buzzword; implies a job with a non-linear description. Expect to do anything, even taking out your own trash.

Landon J. Latham

Career Educator

Things Looking Up For Class Of 2012

More positive news about the job market – employers are hiring more recent graduates and offering higher salaries this year than in past years. Employers expect to higher 10% more graduates this year than from the Class of 2011. The median salary offer is estimated to be $42,569, an increase of 4.5% from last year.

The majors in highest demand are, in order, engineering, business, accounting, computer science, and economics. These majors are also the highest paid this year; with each being offered annual salaries that average in excess of $40,000. Engineering majors are being offered the highest salaries; $58,581 on average. Other fields are seeing better outcomes as well; the average salary offers in education and communications increased by 4-4.5%.

Surveyed Job Offers For Recent Graduates (NACE)

This report really shows that the job market is improving. With high sustained unemployment, companies have often been able to hire experienced workers for similar pay as recent graduates. The increase in hiring of recent graduates shows the pool of unemployed workers is shrinking, or at least workers with the skills these employers are seeking. As the picture improves for graduates this year, those of us who will still be in school can expect an even better market in the next few years.

Landon J. Latham

Career Educator

How Much Should You Be Paid?

Knowing how much you should paid is a sensitive topic. Salary should be based on a variety of factors. For most graduating college students, the two main factors in determining starting salary should be job title and location. Fortunately, resources are available to help you determine salary based on these factors.

Salary Calculator – Use city search to determine specific salary estimates. Here are a couple of examples:

Teacher – Statesboro, GA: $36,017

Teacher – New York, NY: $74,463

Registered Nurse – Statesboro, GA: $58,692

Registered Nurse – New York, NY: $84,538

Beyond knowing how much you should be paid, understanding cost of living can help you decide what jobs you will apply for and even where you apply. This cost of living calculator can provide insight into what salary is required to maintain an equal standard of living in different places.

For example, if you’re a teacher in Statesboro making $36,017, the salary required to maintain an equal standard of living in New York City would be $86,490. Considering the average teacher salary in New York is $74,463, your standard of living will most likely be higher in Statesboro than in New York. If you’re unsure of where you want to work, analyzing differences in average salaries and the cost of living can help you decide.

Landon J. Latham

Career Educator

How to Beat Entry-level Boredom

CareerRookie Magazine is a publication that is primarily aimed at students. I really enjoy exploring and reading the magazine because it provides information about various topics in the career arena. As I was recently reading the magazine, I ran across an article that explains ways to combat the boredom that may occur when working on an entry-level job. Most college students will enter the workforce via an entry-level job or internship that requires low levels of responsibility and may certainly come across as boring work. The article mentions that “one of the most common complaints we hear from young professionals is that they are bored out of their minds”. Considering that most entry-level positions are composed of lowly tasks, I could certainly see how this statement could be true.  The article also discusses that much of the “entry-level boredom” could be a result of students being so enthused about finally pursuing a career and graduating from college that when they touch down at their entry-level desk, in an entry-level setting, with typical entry-level pay, they are more than slightly disappointed. A typical complaint stated in the article heard from young professionals is, “I expect work to be fairly boring, it’s work. But it really chafes my bum to think about all the things I could be doing instead of sitting here, praying that something will need to be typed”.  As unfortunate as this statement may sound, many entry-level employees are feeling acrimony. Here are some tips for battling boredom:

1.       Write down a list of things that you would like to get done before you leave work and put it in a place that you would see it, such as on your computer monitor.

2.       Be honest with your supervisor and ask for more work.

3.       Set up a meeting with a co-worker or supervisor about a project that the organization is working on and express your interest. Let them know that you are interested in becoming more involved.

SShayla Frinks

Career Educator

Funny Resume Mishaps

I was recently referred to a website, Funny Resume Mistakes which outlined a few very funny resume mishaps. The following examples are unprofessionally structured and should be avoided at all costs.

1.   Experience: “Demonstrated ability in multi-tasting.”
2. Job Duties: “Answer phones, file papers, respond to customer e-mails, take odors
3. Objective: “I would like to work for a company that is very lax when it comes to tardiness.”
4.   .   Skills: “I can type without looking at thekeyboard.”
5. Experience: “Chapter president, 1887-1992.”
6. Skills: “I have integrity so I will not steal office supplies and take them home.”
7. Languages: “Speak English and Spinach.
8. Skills: “Written communication = 3 years; verbal communication = 5 years.”
9. Application: “Q: In what local areas do you prefer to work? A: Smoking.
10. Application: Why should an employer hire you? “I bring doughnuts on Friday.
11. Awards: “National record for eating 45 eggs in two minutes.
12. Interests: “Gossiping.” 

It imperative that you thoroughly revise your resume before submitting it to employers. Spelling errors can be easily avoided and is never acceptable. The same is true for grammatical and content errors. A good way to minimize likelihood of error is to have friends, family and colleagues revise your resume for you prior to submission.

Employment Trends in the Future – Job Decline

Employment Trends in the Future – Job Decline

Just as we add jobs in some industries, we lose jobs in others. What jobs will suffer from the most decline over the next ten years or so? These tables show the fastest and largest declining jobs according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Two reasons explain why these jobs are declining the fastest – automation and outsourcing. Half of these positions are in textile industries; a product that has become very cheap to produce due to advancing technology. Outsourcing has also hit this industry hard. Postal service positions are shrinking in large part due to the prevalence of email and other forms of electronic communication. Total mail volume shrunk by 3 billion pieces from 2010-2011. These positions have no required higher education and with the exception of postal workers, aren’t very high paying.

Many of these positions are on the fastest declining list as well. Those that aren’t are similar; these positions are almost becoming obsolete because of technology. Agricultural workers are being displaced because of advancing farm technology and the rise of corporate farms, and are likely being underreported because many farm workers are paid under the table. Data Keyers and Typists are being displaced by improved software. These positions require little education as well.

A final note. Even though many workers will be displaced from their jobs, in the long run, most will move into work in other industries and the unemployment rate will not be higher than average for an extended period. The market has a way of ironing out issues such as these. Still, the effect of losing a job is serious.

Landon J. Latham

Career Educator

Humor Can Be Useful at Work!

It used to be said that humor was dangerous in the office. Is that really true though? Sure, jokes may become awkward or offensive very easily, but when executed correctly, it can be a good think.

According to the article Are Funny People Better Employees?  by Jenna Goudreau, “Steve Cody, 57, is co-founder and managing partner of Peppercom, a mid-size communications agency based in New York. He’s also an amateur stand-up comedian, performing frequently at the New York Comedy Club.” 

He decided to launch a 90 minute comedy workshop for his employees to attend every two months.

“Cody says it infuses them with confidence, bonds them with coworkers, teaches the nuances of reading an audience and environment, and livens up their presentations (Goudreau, 2012).”

With this being said, being funny can be a great thing at work, only as long as you don’t cross the line.

• Laughing increases dopamine, which in turn heightens creativity, productivity and engagement
• Humor can alleviate tension in the workplace
• Humor can create more personal relationships between co-workers

On the other hand, it is important to filter your jokes and comments at work. 

Don’t: 

•  Make inappropriate jokes. Anything dealing with sex, money or race is crossing the line.
•  Never use profanity in the work place
•  Disrespect your co-workers or supervisors
• Let any jokes exceed a PG rating

Jobs to Disappear in 2012

With all of the emerging technology entering the workplace these days, it is no surprise that some occupations that were once on the rise are now suffering from the technology surge. A CBS News article by Louise Tutelian published at the end of the year 2011, emphasizes 10 specific jobs that may begin to disappear in the coming months of 2012. The 10 jobs were pinpointed because it may come as a surprise that some of the positions will begin to wane this year.  Some of the jobs the article mentions may not exactly disappear per se, but the outlook for them is so melancholic that finding a job will be next to impossible. The top 5 jobs that the article mentions will disappear are:

·         Judge – The author of the article feels that judges and magistrate jobs will begin to diminish due largely to budget cuts. Additionally, since judges serve long tenures, there will be low chance of promotions for lower level positions to judges in the legal system.

·         Fashion designer – The amount of fashion designers may decrease because there are already enough designers in the world for the industry to function. The world just does not feel the need for multiple Donna Karan’s and anymore Donatella Versace’s.

·         Insurance underwriter – The insurance industry is not quite doing as well as it used to be and insurance underwriters are suffering. New software is another reason as to why the careers of insurance underwriters are being overlooked.

·         Travel agent – For travel agents, job outlooks are not so bright. Websites such as Travelocity.com and Expedia.com have decreased the need for travel agents. Consumers are doing their own travel planning and “the number of traditional travel agencies has been sliced in half.”

·         Newspaper reporter – The Internet is causing print industry jobs to lessen at an alarming rate. “According to the BLS, a whopping 4,400 jobs will disappear by 2018.”

Unfortunately, these findings can certainly discourage college students from pursuing their dreams. For instance, I have come across many students that long to become a fashion designer one day, however with such a dim job outlook, this type of aspiration may never become a reality. Although these results are somewhat disappointing, college students, this is what it is going to be like in the “real world”. My advice is to be knowledgeable and prepared when it comes to your respective industry and career ambitions.

Shayla Frinks

Career Educator

The Benefits of A Seasonal Job

Summer-Calendar iStock

Apart from making extra money during the holiday seasons, working a seasonal job has many benefits. The article, Benefits of a Seasonal Job offers advice on some of the benefits of having a seasonal job. A few of these benefits are listed below:


1. Flexibility - Seasonal jobs typically allow for flexible scheduling. Many times, you have the option to choose whether you would be available to work full-time, part-time, weekends, etc.

2. Networking - Although it may not be a permanent job, you never know what networking opportunities you may encounter while working a seasonal job. Look at it as another great opportunity to meet new people who may be able to help you professionally sometime in the future. 

3. Skills - You would have the opportunity to obtain and develop skills which you may not have had the opportunity to do otherwise.

4. Full-Time Permanent Position - Through hard work and dedication to the fulfillment of company goals and objectives, you could be offered a permanent position with the company post season. 

5. Reference - If you work hard and perform well, but could not work in a permanent position, or are not needed for a permanent position, you could certainly use this employer as a reference in your future endeavors. 

Keisha Francis
Career Educator

Employment Trends In The Future - Job Growth

In my last two blog posts we looked at the role of technology in changes to the economy and how it affects employment. Now, let’s apply these discussions and analyze employment projections from the Bureau of Labor statistics for 2010-2020. Today we’ll look at projected job growth and next we’ll look at projected job decline.

To begin, a disclaimer. The term fastest growing refers to percent changes in the number of jobs and largest growing refers to numerical changes in the number of jobs. If over the next ten years we add 10,000 positions as cashiers and optometrists, they will both be growing larger at the same rate, but the number of optometrists will be growing faster because there are obviously less optometrists than cashiers to begin with.

The fastest growing jobs list shows how demographics affect employment trends. As people live longer and the population ages overall, more workers will be needed in health care. A notable trend is that all of these positions are “hands-on.” It is difficult to imagine computers replacing these positions. Of these positions, only two require a Bachelor’s Degree. The salaries are mediocre, with only Biomedical Engineers standing out.

The jobs that will have the largest growth are a diverse mix. Many of these jobs aren’t growing all that fast, in fact, most of these are growing much slower than those on the previous chart. These jobs are adding large numbers of positions because they are so prevalent to begin with, such as Salespersons and Office Clerks. These positions are also “hands-on” and unlikely to be replaced by computers (except perhaps Postsecondary Teachers). The education requirements are notably low; the top 9 positions don’t even require a Bachelor’s Degree. Other than Nurses and Postsecondary Teachers, salaries are low.


Landon J. Latham
Career Educator

Don't Be THAT Guy at a Business Meal

I don’t know about you, but one thing that really scared me was the thought of having a business lunch or dinner with an employer.  I was always that person who would spill things, drop crumbs on the table and dig right into my dish.

Photo Credit: Tumblr

I will say one thing; working at Career Services this year has taught me a lot about dining etiquette and helped me understand why it is so important to everyone.  We have things like the Dining for Success event which is a way to practice and learn proper ways to eat tricky foods, presentations and so much more. 

Here is a video that quickly summarizes do’s and don’ts of dining:

Knowing dining etiquette is important.  According to “The Top Ten Etiquette Tips For The Business Dinner or Interview” by Hank Coleman, “Many of today’s business meetings, sales meetings, and job interviews take place over the dinner table. Sometimes these meetings are at a restaurant, and other times they are in a corporate dining hall. But, when the big deal or job is on the line that is not the time to realize you do not know which fork to eat your salad with.”

 

Here are some quick important tips you should remember:

·         Don’t start eating until you host or hostess has done so

·         Do not cut large sizes of food and try to shove it in your mouth, cut small bite size pieces instead

·         Place your napkin on your lap before you begin eating

·         Start on the outside and work your way in when using your silverware

 

You have all the resources you need for great dining etiquette. So make sure you drop by Career Services so you aren’t that guy at your business dinner.

Photo Credit: Jim Naughten/Getty Images

Ashley Salim

Career Educator

How To Develop Your Networking Skills Towards Being Productive Rather Than Pointless

Learning how to network and relate to potential employers is essential when it comes to landing a job. Now, more than ever, knowing how to communicate is revered highly by employers seeking candidates for open positions.

A Sagepresence article about networking productively  argues that in order to convince employers to hire you, you should make your conversation more about them than you. Networking is not about selling your achievements and characteristics, but more so about building a relationship with the person you are talking to.

When networking, a primary goal should be to let the person know that you are there to help them in some way. If you take the opportunity to network with an employer and are feeling a little unprepared, it is natural to talk about yourself to him or her. This is not necessarily a bad thing, especially since networking involves having a genuine interest in learning about each other. Furthermore, people typically feel linked to us if we talk about ourselves.

You can also build your potential by communicating something meaningful to the employer that can show them how you can benefit them and their company. According to Sagepresence, there are three significant components to prepare for networking with an employer.

1. You will introduce yourself with basic information such as name and of course, an elevator pitch that has been pre-prepared.
2. You should tell the employer about something you are currently lacking that the employer can help you with. For example, mentioning that you are seeking a more challenging position or would like to be employed with a company that encourages autonomy.
3. Tell the employer about your “happy ending."
4. The last stage simply serves the purpose of summing up all three steps and giving the employer another idea of what you are seeking. 

An example of the third step is “I’m keeping busy, but I’m underemployed right now. My best skills simply aren’t being challenged as much as I want them to be”. All in all, at the end, the employer should have an idea of how he or she can help you and vice versa.

Shayla Frinks
Career Educator

Should Money Be The Deciding Factor in Choosing your Career?

Upon entering college, I had one objective in mind; to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in business so that I could get a job that would pay me well. In retrospect, wanting a good paying job was not a bad objective at all. However, I soon realized that there was more to performing an effective job search than just one’s projected income.

 According to research by MSNBC, less than half of all Americans are satisfied with their current jobs. Americans’ dissatisfaction in their jobs have extended to various types of people across the country, regardless of factors such as age and income. However, the inclination is strongest among workers who are less than 25 years old. Could it be because most young workers are after a similar objective? Could it be because of the money? There may be many reasons for such a high dissatisfaction rate. However, one thing that is very important is choosing a career that will not only benefit you financially, but mentally and emotionally as well.

Discover your passions and the various other elements that make you happy, and strive to acquire a career for that reason, first. It is true, money makes the world go around, but happiness is key to a man’s long term success. 

Keisha Francis

Career Educator

What Computers Can (and Can't) Do

How will changes in technology affect jobs in the future? Continued from previous post

Researchers at MIT published an excellent paper analyzing job skills and the possibility that they could be augmented or replaced by computing technology. They divide tasks into two main categories, analytic and manual. Within those categories, tasks can be considered routine or non-routine.  This is shown below:

The researchers analyzed data from 1960-1998 and found that the key determinant of whether a skill could be replaced by technology was not white collar vs. blue collar; the key is whether or not a task is routine. This has played out in the legal world; technology has largely replaced legal research by professionals such as lawyers and paralegals due to cheaper costs. This somewhat defies the conventional wisdom that more education necessarily leads to better job security and white collar workers have more secure jobs than blue collar workers.

Applying these findings to potential careers and jobs is somewhat speculative but worthwhile. The safest jobs are non-routine manual tasks. This category includes jobs like janitor and bus driver, but also includes surgeons. Another key determinant of whether a job can be “replaced” by computers is the “trust” or “people” factor. For example, most people trust an ATM to dispense cash as well as a bank teller, but what a robot surgeon? There’s also tastes and preferences; online learning could replace classroom learning, but most people respond more positively in a classroom with a teacher.


In addition to replacing jobs, technology can also complement workers to the point of increasing total employment in an industry. Beyond obvious fields such as IT professionals, this includes more conventional jobs such as doctors, managers, and even entertainers.

Ask yourself, can computers (or robots, which are computers) replace the job I’m aiming for? Will technology make it easier or harder for me to find an opening in that position. Even if the answer is yes or maybe, it probably shouldn’t affect your career decision. Still, understanding what may happen in the future of an industry can only help you understand it better.

Landon J. Latham

Career Educator

How Can Pinterest Interest Your Future Employers?

Are you an addict of Pinterest? Are you looking for a job? If so, have you ever thought of using Pinterest to enhance your job search efforts?

In a recent article, “Using Pinterest as a Job-Search and Branding Tool,” it states that Pinterest is a great way to market yourself to future employers, especially if you are an art, graphic design, marketing, or other heavily visual major.

Tips on how to market yourself by using Pinterest:

• Create a resume board where you pin pictures related to your schooling and experiences. (Pin pictures of organizations you have interned for and student organizations and activities you have been involved in.)
• Create a portfolio board where you pin examples of the work you have created.
• Pin a copy of your resume.
• Create boards that are related to your interest to give more insight about you.
• Place your Pinterest URL on your job-search materials, including resumes, cover letters, e-mail signatures, profiles on LinkedIn, and more. *Make sure you use your actual name as your Pinterest page name so people can easily find you through a search.
• Make sure you provide a description of each picture you pin so the employers know what they are looking at.
• Keep your Pinterest clean and professional!

Now that you know how to interest employers by using Pinterest… Get to pinning!

Sharol Miller

Career Educator

Stay Positive With Your Job Search

If you follow the career services' social media, you may have read this article already.  It’s called “Tips for Staying Positive In a Job Search” found on http://blog.resumebear.com. As I read this article, I was able to relate.  I am a senior graduating in just a couple weeks, so I know more than anyone just how tough and emotionally draining the job search can be. I’ve gone through many ups and downs, but staying positive is the key.

Some of my favorite tips from the article are as follows:

Stay away from whiners and complainers

You are probably already on edge and emotional.  If you are surrounded by people that constantly whine and complain, they are only going to bring you down further.  Find people who push you and energize you!

Do Exercise

Exercise releases endorphins.  Endorphins make you happy.  Take a quick walk, go to the RAC, dance or whatever else it may be.  This will help from keeping you down and will motivate you on your job hunt.

Change your attitude by looking at the positives
Ask yourself: What went well today? What are the three best things I did in that interview? These questions will help you keep the right attitude.  Things are always going to go wrong with every situation, but it’s how you look at the situation that really matters. Attitude is everything!


Celebrate Small Successes
“Focusing on the small wins gives you the energy and confidence to tackle the bigger challenges that you know still lie ahead.”


Let Yourself Have a Bad Day
Job hunting is an emotional thing.  Everyone has ups and downs, so let yourself be emotional. 


For me, a lot of this has been easier said than done, but everything on this list has helped a ton.  Try it yourself and let us know how it works for you!


Ashley Salim
Career Educator


Photo Credit: Ms. Career Girl

Technology and the Economy (and Jobs)

The world today is one of ever-changing technology. Things like iPads, electric cars, and advanced computing technology have significantly changed the world in only the last few years. How will technology affect the economy and jobs of the future?


The correct answer is that it’s impossible to know, but we can look at what we know to get an idea. One thing we know is that technological innovations are happening faster and faster. From the 1940’s to the 1980’s, computers went from objects so large they required an entire room to be housed to desktop computers such as the early Macintosh. By the 1990’s and 2000’s, the invention of operating systems and wide-spread use of the internet transformed computers. By the 2010’s, people were using iPads and accessing the internet from almost anywhere, wirelessly.


I highlight computers because they have changed the work world more than any other technology in the past few decades. Database software has reduced or eliminated the need for storage of physical files. Word processing and communications software has reduced the need for administrative assistants. Industry-specific technology such as bar code processing has made companies like Wal Mart wildly successful, leaving others behind. 


Asking what will happen in the future is inexact, but interesting to think about. When thinking about careers and what you want to pursue, considering what might happen to that field, how technology might affect its future, can help you foresee opportunities and threats. For example, what if someone decided to open a small business selling beepers in 1997? It probably wouldn’t have worked out.


This is the first in a series of blog posts relating to technological changes and how they affect jobs.  If you’re interested in this topic, I recommend this article by Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman. It was written in 1996 from the prospective of someone living in 2096 reporting on changes in the last century (1996-2096). In the 16 years since it was written, many of the points hold true to what has actually happened.


Landon J. Latham
Career Educator

6 Steps to a More Marketable Linkedin Profile

According to the 6 Steps to a More Marketable Linkedin Profile article by inc.com, Linkedin is arguably the most effective social network for business owners and professionals. Since some Linkedin users may not be getting the full advantage of the emerging social network, the article discusses six steps to tune up your Linkedin profile.

1.      The first step to take in tuning up your Linkedin profile is to consider your goals and market those rather than revising your resume and think about keywords that employers would like to see. Keywords that are relevant and valuable to your respective industry are also significant to incorporate into your Linkedin profile because employers will hopefully see them and be drawn to your devotion to the industry.

2.      Layer any keywords that you use in your profile within your headlines. When employers use Linkedin to search for potential employees, they scan for keywords.

3.      If you have a lot of work experience listed on your Linkedin profile, distinguish which positions are relevant to your current goals and simply just list those. When employers review your profile, they want to be able to skim your profile and come out with a fairly accurate feel of your experience and personality. With various unrelated experiences listed, the employer may get the impression that you are disheveled and have not established concrete goals.

4.      As previously mentioned, experience is very important, but it is beneficial to remain cognizant of the fact that personality should shine through in your Linkedin profile as well. Make the employer want to work with you.

5.      Another central factor on a Linkedin profile is the photo. The photo on your profile serves as your logo and should reflect who you are in a positive way. According to the article, “the best photo strikes a balance between professionalism and approachability, making you look good but also real”.

6.      Lastly, an imperative part of achieving a Linkedin profile that is up to par is getting recommendations. Recommendations give employers the idea that although your profile is essentially you speaking about yourself, others appreciate you as well.

SShayla Frinks

Career Educator

Resume Workshop 101

Over the years, many wise people have said you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. When job seeking, this saying is particularly applicable. Constructing an impressive resume in the proper fashion is one of the most valuable things you can learn how to do in life. Below are just a few basic resume tips that are important to remember when building a resume:

· Don't overcrowd your resume. You are not writing a biography on your life, so keep it simple, brief and clean.

· Use a legible font.

· Keep the font color black.

· Keep your resume to one-page if you can.

· Upon gaining more work experience, if you must have a multi-paged resume, print on one-side only.

· Avoid using more than two font sizes on your resume.

· It is unnecessary to include references in your resume-Unless instructed specifically to do so by an employer, do not do it.

· Avoid Spelling Mistaks (ß like that one)-make sure you carefully read every word on your resume and perform spell check on the finished product.

· Have a friend proof read your resume.

· Be honest and expect to be asked about anything you have on your resume.

· If you are having any problems putting your resume together, come to CAREER SERVICES and we'll assist you!


Keisha Francis
Career Educator