Conventional wisdom says that recent college graduates have been finding it harder and harder to obtain ideal positions and employment in today’s post-recession world.  Many post-graduates are finding themselves moving back in with their parents after graduation out of economic necessity, and the job market for recent grads has become very competitive yet limited at the same time.  In light of the need for college students, especially seniors, to start to increasingly consider their options post-graduation, I interviewed Darwin Kysor, director of career and community services at Juniata:

In today’s economy, how would you describe the overall job market for recent post-grads?

It is a lot worse than a few years ago, but signs have been pointing that it is getting better.

What should seniors be doing now in order to prepare for post-graduation?

Seniors should be updating their resumes, identifying potential employers in their intended career field, writing cover letters, reconnecting with contacts, making new contacts, and contacting Juniata alums.

How have last year’s Juniata graduates fared in the job world, in your opinion?

They have done okay — not bad, not great.  Compared to many other college students, they have done better.  Upon graduation, I would say 40 percent of last year’s seniors knew exactly what they were going to do.

What qualities are important to have as a job candidate?

The annual list of skills most sought after by employers state that communications skills, analytical skills, teamwork skills, and computer skills are the most valued.

What career fields do you see now having the most opportunity and growth?

Fields that I see expanding are ones dealing with sustainability, the utilization of social networking, health professions, computer and IT, and accounting.  It is a fair mixture of new and old.

How should JC students get into contact with Juniata alumni?

Juniata students and alumni alike can utilize Juniata’s Career Team Database, which can be found on our college website.  The database provides contact information for alumni who are very willing to answer questions and connect with fellow students and alum.  Currently, we are working on Juniata Connect, a new site that appears more like a social networking website.

-     Jenny Wang ’12, Juniata Online Journalist