70 The QUEE NS Courier • graduation • june 13, 2012 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com ▶graduation Class of 2013: The future careers of this year’s high school graduates High school seniors nationwide are preparing to graduate, receiving college acceptance letters and possibly enrolling in a college or university. The challenging economy has made many of these young adults acutely aware of the important role their degree can play when they face commencement once again, this time entering the job market. Some schools offer degree programs that address the skills required to enter fast-growing fields, such as cyber security, cloud computing, health care and accounting. U.S. News & World Report included accounting in its ranking of 25 Best Jobs in 2012. This strong connection to a promising career path can be attractive to prospective students. “Knowledge of projected industry growth is extremely helpful as students choose their major or area of study,” says Dr. Chad Kennedy, chair and professor of biomedical engineering technology in the College of Engineering and Information Sciences at DeVry University. “Unlike some career fields where opportunities are shrinking, many technology and engineering fields are expanding at double-digit rates. In fact, many employers can’t find enough qualified applicants to meet their needs.” Careers in technology are growing up to three times faster than other fields. For students interested in pursuing employment in this thriving industry, ComputerWorld recently outlined the “10 hot IT skills for 2013.” Cloud computing was among the most coveted skills. Though relatively unfamiliar to the average consumer, this data management knowledge drives the services that support many of today’s businesses. Similarly, cyber security professionals will play an integral role in keeping information safe as the majority of companies’ assets move online. According to Today’s Engineer, the monthly web publication of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the cyber security field is growing “in leaps and bounds.” Employment in health care fields is also on the rise. An aging population of baby boomers and expanded access to health care has placed growing pressure on the health care industry to add workers in fields ranging from health information systems and biomedical engineering technology to nursing and ambulatory care. “Given the sensitive nature of medical data, my role - ensuring data integrity, availability, and security for every current and former patient - is essential and growing in demand,” explains Adam Franzen, a systems administrator at Presence Health Care who holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from DeVry University. “As health care evolves, so do the technology and management skills that are central to career success in the field.” The workforce is rapidly evolving; some of the most desired professional roles of yesterday are shrinking today and will become obsolete tomorrow. The class of 2013 will enter emerging career fields, managing the technologies that drive advanced hospital settings, leading development of the next cloud-based application and protecting companies and consumers from cyber and financial fraud alike. Courtesy BPT Gearing college grads up for the workforce The job market doesn’t appear to be as tight as it was a year ago. The unemployment rate dropped to 7.5 percent in April 2013, down from the 8.1 percent we faced in April 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even so, finding a job remains a tough challenge for new college graduates who are eager to begin their careers. For those facing the challenge of finding employment today, advice gleaned from two collegiate professionals can help. “This is the time to think out of the box,” says Amanda Rajotte, director of career services at Brown Mackie College - Hopkinsville. “I encourage students to focus on employment goals early in the program.” The prepared candidate is a step ahead “Good verbal skills, the ability to embrace change, and being a team player can catch a prospective employer’s attention,” says Grace Klinefelter, of the Business & Organizational Leadership program chair at Argosy University, Washington D.C. “Companies look for candidates with problem-solving and analytical skills, too.” Think about these questions: What can I bring to a company? Why should they choose me? Writing your own answers to these essential questions is a good way to prepare for a job search. The exercise can provide valuable insight that may help shape your responses to future interview questions. Take a hands-on approach Rajotte’s job as director of career services entails a constant search for employment opportunities to help graduates of many different academic programs. She honed her job-seeking skills when she moved to Kentucky, where she knew no one, and needed to find work herself. “I fully support a proactive, handson approach,” she says. “It is never too early to begin networking.” She encourages students to interact with professionals in the field as much as possible. Maintain alumni contacts She counsels students to attend networking events with people who are a year ahead in the academic program. “Those students will have a position by the time the others graduate. It’s as important to build relationships with those about to enter your field as it is with people already working. Referrals can come from both sources,” Rajotte says. Word of mouth can be powerful. Even if the person you have stopped to chat with isn’t in a position to help, you never know if they have a friend who is looking to fill a spot. Join professional associations Much can be accomplished simply by knowing people. Klinefelter relates the true story of one Argosy University student who panicked at the thought of facing her search for employment. “She had already fulfilled the requirements for graduation, yet wanted to take more courses. I encouraged her to join a professional association connected to her field,” she says. “Once she connected with her professional group, she landed a job with the association. It’s about having the right attitude and looking forward instead of back,” says Klinefelter. Attend community events It isn’t necessary to wait for a local networking event to happen. Developing relationships means putting yourself out there and letting people know your professional intentions. “It’s a way for students and graduates to find out about local organizations they can join, as well as employment opportunities,” says Rajotte. Volunteer efforts offer mutual benefits Volunteer work provides experience. “Our medical assistant students volunteer at a local free clinic. Help is always needed, and it gives them real-world experience beyond the externship in the career field,” says Rajotte. “It’s a great way to get professional references.” College campuses also provide volunteer opportunities. “Students can demonstrate capabilities by volunteering to work with faculty on special projects, as well as outside activities,” says Klinefelter. Even volunteer activities outside of your field of study can be beneficial. You never know who is painting or planting flowers beside you. Courtesy BPT
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