The time has come for the graduating students of Capital to finally don their caps and gowns and receive the diplomas they have worked so hard to achieve, and walk out through the gate. Though they are graduating together as a class, what each student wishes to achieve is unique.
Whatever the student plans to do, faculty and advisors are armed and ready to help this class in whatever way possible. In the past, Capital has proven year after year that the students leaving this University are well-prepared to face the job market or to secure placement in an advanced degree program if they so desire.
Notably, in the past three years the portion of students receiving career-related positions within the first six months of graduation consistently remains in the upper 60 percent. The portion of students seeking higher education consistently ranged in the upper teens to lower 20 percents. The rest of students are divided into portions not seeking employment or still seeking employment after six months.
So far there is no indication that the graduating class this year should deviate far from these statistics, although the rates will not be known until 6 months after graduation. It seems to Career Development staffers that more students have come to the office and shared job offers that they have received, but that cannot be confirmed until May 4 at graduation rehearsal.
Senior Kristen Foss shared how she has been blessed with her plans for after graduation. She received a job posting for a company in Columbus called Portfolio Creative Staffing, and after a series of interviews received a job offer. So far she describes it as a “dream job.”
“Advice for seniors and future seniors: Not everyone is going to find the perfect job right away. Find what you like or what you want to do and go for it, because it’s not going to come find you,” Foss said.
Eric Rapp has also had the good fortune of finding a job prior to graduation. Until then, he plans to make the most of his last weeks at Capital. “I hope to relax, do a little traveling, and enjoy my last freedom before the start of true adulthood,” Rapp said.
One Capital senior, Jessica Paulik, has decided to go a different route rather than plunge straight into the job market. She is continuing her career within Capital at the Capital University Law School pursuing her Juris Doctorate. She advises to “use the resources you have available to you – whether it’s your adviser, a professor, Career Development Office, or other networking you’ve done. Make sure you’re putting your best foot forward and representing yourself in the best way possible,” Paulik said.
Jan Rich, assistant director of career development, encourages students who are still searching for a job to stop by the Career Development office.
“Stop in and see us, have your resume reviewed and learn to write a good cover letter before you leave Capital. Stay positive, don’t get discouraged – you will find a job,” Rich said.
