Beyond the Classroom

You’ve heard C’s get degrees, but will doing the bare minimum land you a job? Young people are facing a more difficult path from college to careers than any other generation in decades (Bentley University). With a 4% increase in unemployment rate among college graduates since 2000, the job search for college students is harder than ever. Walking across the stage with your graduation cap and degree in hand isn’t enough. Hands on experience with a degree is of far greater value.

Students agree, we are unprepared for the workforce and we have ourselves to blame. According to the Bentley University Preparedness Study, one of the most comprehensive surveys done on the subject of preparedness for the workforce, 60% of recent college graduates blame themselves for their unpreparedness for their first job.

So what can you do to be more prepared when it comes time to graduate? You will have to do more than just attend lectures and pass pop-quizzes. You have to take your education outside of the classroom. Try a summer internship to gain hands on experience and knowledge in a field you enjoy. Three months over summer is a great opportunity to test the water and the sooner, the better. Maybe you are interested in learning more about hardware and software, apply for a position in the IT department at CSUSM. Not enough time for an summer internship or a part-time job? Try learning online! In our last post, we mentioned two websites for free education on coding. The classroom can only teach you so much, the rest in your hands. It’s your life and your future, are you ready?

Here are some helpful links to get you thinking about your plans after graduation:

• 6 Ways College Students Can Better Prepare For A Career In Business

• Test Your Skills and Find the Resources That Will Help You Most

• Career Center at CSUSM

• Are you Ready to Graduate College?

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