According to PR.com, “There simply are not enough students graduating from college to meet the hiring demand in 2022. While the number of students graduating each year is relatively consistent, the number of new jobs is up significantly over last year, which also saw an increase over the prior pandemic year.”

Career Development Specialist and Study Abroad Coordinator Sarah Bell offered insight on how to approach the market as a recent graduate, as well as what students can do on-campus to capitalize on these opportunities. 

Q: What is the best way students can approach this new influx in entry-level hiring?

A: Research has indicated that entry-level hiring is increasing quite drastically right now, which is great news for recent and soon-to-be college graduates. Even with this in mind, it is still important to remember that searching and applying for jobs is work. So on one hand, the opportunities are out there; but on the other, Waynesburg students should still prepare to take the initiative to network, connect with employers, and apply for jobs and internships that seem like a good fit.

Q: How do you recommend students prepare for professional life?

A: Even though it is exciting, complacency can be damaging when you are competing with more seasoned professionals. So, I would recommend that students, and especially students who are getting ready to graduate, make sure their professional documents are in order and that they are still prioritizing important factors during the job search process. 

Those factors would include researching the companies they are applying for, adjusting resumes and cover letters for each new application, taking advantage of networking opportunities and actually using LinkedIn. Waynesburg University students can have their resumes reviewed for free by the Pathways Center staff, and I highly recommend that they reach out to make sure their resume is ready to send to employers. 

Q: How can students access professional help at Waynesburg University?

A: While hiring is up, so is competition. We are seeing a lot of more seasoned professionals switching jobs right now. You’ve probably heard of the term “great resignation” floating around. People, in general, are taking a look at what is out there and making career moves. This is an exciting time to be entering the workforce, as employees have a bit more leverage right now.

Students can also participate in upcoming professional development workshops, 

• Resumes & Job Searching: Tips & Tools For Success (March 15 at noon in Buhl 329) 
• Interview Preparation: Ease Anxiety & Land the Job (April 12 at noon in Buhl 329)

Finally, of course, Waynesburg students can email me directly at sbell@waynesburg.edu for more information or to schedule an appointment or they can schedule directly through Handshake, by using the icon on myConnect, clicking “Career Center” on the homepage, then “Appointments.” 

Brian Krueger, CEO of CollegeGrad.com summed up the current trends, “Your job search is no longer a question of simply finding a job. The jobs are there for the taking. The question is finding the right entry level job to make the most of your education and experience. Don’t settle for just any job. Don’t leap at the first job offered. Take the time necessary to find the job that is best for you personally and individually. Instead of trying to find a job, try to find joy—your joy.”