Final Project

Fighting for a Job

Ole Miss students are not alone

Entering the workforce in a bad economy can be similar to combat. Graduates have to fight against their peers, laid off workers and former retirees for spots within the job market. Now more importantly than ever students and graduates need to use all the resources at their disposal to break into the job market.

"There's more competition in the marketplace right now with the unemployment rate at 9.9%," says Jason Ferrara, a senior career adviser at online job-listing company CareerBuilder.com. "There is more pressure for the college graduate." To take some of the pressure off, student at Ole Miss have access to the career center. A place that is a one stop shop for a student needing assistance will all aspects of the job search process.

The Ole Miss career center aims to take help students fight off the difficulties that many graduates face when job searching. The variety of services offered are available to former and current students. Career counselor Alice Walker "urges all students to take the time and see how the career center can help them".

Students may begin at the career Center by taking assessments such as the Strong Interest Inventory and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. These assessments will guide students to a area of interest and career path. Senior Melanie Hill "was able to see all the career options that fit my my personality after taking the assessments". For those that need some one on one time, appointments are available with career counselors. Counselors will assess students individually and are available for follow ups even after graduation.

With a click of a mouse the career center website is accessible. This online help center provides links to useful websites, job postings, and promotes networking.

Ole Miss students do not have to fight the job search battle alone, the career center is there to provide its services every step of the way.