Photo by: University Communications
Forty-seven percent of DU’s 2011 graduating class already had employment upon graduation, compared to a nationwide average of 24 percent, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers 2011 Student Survey.
“We do pretty well,” said Hawkins, adding that many DU graduates are still seeking employment, taking time off, traveling and volunteering.
New data released last Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Colorado’s unemployment rate has decreased only slightly from 8.5 to 8.3 percent.
“The job search is a very time-intensive, often difficult process and sometimes humbling process,” said Mary Michael Hawkins, director of DU’s Career Center. “Job seekers need to focus on what it is they are seeking, how their skills and experiences fit into that career and industry and network, network, network to get to where they want to be in their first job after graduation.”
DU’s fall quarter tuition costs $12,312 for up to 18 credit hours, and then another $1,026 for each additional credit hour. For students who attend three quarters, tuition costs $36,936.
Emily Williams, a DU alumna who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication in 2010 said she feels like DU is worth the investment.
“I feel like DU prepared me not only to enter the workforce but also to be an active and engaged citizen,” said Williams. “The best advice I got as an undergrad was that you’ll get out of college what you put into it. DU provides lots of opportunities, and I think the most successful people after college take advantage of those opportunities when they are presented.”
Hawkins also said it’s important for students to put effort into DU by participating in extra-curricular activities and networking with professionals and fellow students.
“If you take the time to do other things besides study and socialize, then DU is worth the investment,” she said. “I think most students and alums say they wouldn’t have gone anywhere else if they had to do it again.”
DU’s Career Center networks with employers such as Wells Fargo, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Verizon Wireless and more to provide students with extra help when searching for a job. The first career fair of the year was held last Wednesday in the Gates Field House.
According to Hawkins, employers often tell the Career Center staff that DU students are the most polished and prepared.
“Many have recruited at DU for years,” she said.
Williams also said she had a job before she graduated as a result of an internship.
“The emphasis on internships at DU helped me establish contacts and a working portfolio that I think put me above other candidates,” she said.
Williams advises students to start early by participating in an internship and networking with peers and professors.
“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there,” said Williams.
Hawkins also said it’s important to network. The Career Center offers a link on its website to a professional network where over 1,100 volunteers comprised of DU alum, employers and DU associates offer guidance and advice to DU students who are getting ready to graduate.
“The volunteers cannot be mined for jobs, but they can give advice, suggestions and other ideas on other ways to get connected to opportunities in their field,” said Hawkins. “We also encourage job seekers to join a professional networking association, preferably as a student, for additional networking opportunities and access to industry-specific jobs.”
The Career Center also offers two job databases to students for positions that require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
The DU-only database featured approximately 2,483 jobs last year and the secondary database housed another 2,061 jobs for students to search through. All the jobs are pre-approved by the Career Center.
“The university provides countless opportunities to make the most of a student’s time at DU, but it is up to the student to take advantage of all that is available to them,” said Hawkins.
Last year, the Career Center had 2,902 appointments, including 977 appointments with seniors.
The Career Center will be hiring an executive director in November and three additional positions to work on developing more employer partnerships, marketing services to students and employers and tracking alumni employment data to “take career services to the next level,” said Hawkins.
