Black Collegian Career Center

Dewain L. Lee
Director, Educational Enhancement Options
Dillard University

1.) I have eight months remaining before earning my bachelor’s degree in business. At what point should I begin my job hunt and plan for relocation?

“Now is the time,” says Dewain L. Lee, director of Educational Enhancement Options-Career Services at Dillard University in Louisiana. “You actually should have started earlier, since you are planning to relocate.”

Graduates-to-be, who are seeking opportunities in unfamiliar locales, should begin their job search early.  Give yourself at least a year to find and contact companies and get better acquainted with the area.  That way, when you’re called for an interview, you’ll already be familiar with the community.

Simultaneously, use all the resources available to you. Stay abreast of information by regularly reading business publications and other trade-reading business publications and  trade specific materials. Also visit your campus career services office to research companies and the areas in which they are located.

Leonard A. Williams
Assistant Director, Career Placement
University of New Orleans

1.) How should I handle salary negotiations or job offers?

When handling salary negotiations and job offers, the main thing to remember is-“time is of the essence.” Most employers understand that students are probably waiting to see what other job offers they get before they commit to the first company that makes an offer. So it is important for job seekers to agree upon a date that they will contact the company making the offer to give them a decision.  This date could be a week, two weeks, or even a month, as long as both the job seeker and the company representative have mutually agreed upon that date.  It may be wise for the job seeker to send a follow-up letter after the conversation with the company to confirm the date.  Now the responsibility is on the job seeker to make sure that he/she holds a date firm and responds to the company in some way on/or before the agreed upon date.  During that time, job seekers should not only be waiting on responses from other companies, but also researching the company that has already made an offer to them.  This includes looking at their Web site, visiting the Career Services Center as well as searching for any articles or publications that may shed some light as to how it “really is” to work at the offering company.  In this healthy economy, now more than ever, employers are making offers quicker to fill the needs that they have. It is necessary for job seekers not to feel pressured into accepting positions that they are not ready or willing to take.

Dr. David B. Small Assistant
Vice President for Students Services
University Career Services, University of Houston

1.) What if an employer makes a job offer early in the semester, gives you an early deadline to decide, and you have interviews that you wanted to complete after the deadline?

This is a situation that is becoming increasingly common on college campuses.  Some employers are so eager to employ college graduates that they are urging (pressuring) candidates to accept offers as early as possible. Some are offering signing bonuses while others may present the student with an “exploding offer,” i.e., one that will be pulled off the table if a decision is not made by a certain date.  This latter practice is considered unethical by many career service practitioners.  With regard to any job offer, it is alright to ask for more time before making a decision. Employers expect that you will want some time to think over all of the elements associated with a job offer- the salary, location, job responsibilities, the organization, advancement opportunities, etc. Keep in mind, however, that that employer may have other candidates “on hold” while you consider whether you will accept or decline the offer, so do not let the employer wait any longer than necessary. The length of time between the date of the offer and the date of your decision is a negotiable item. If you cannot come to an agreement with employer “A,” on a decision date, then consider asking employers “B” and “C” if they might move your interview dates back within the negotiated time frame.  It is also considered unethical to accept a job and then to continue interviewing.   In sum, do not bow to undue pressure; consider all of the job choice factors, negotiate additional time if necessary, and make the first decision the right decision.  Above all, speak with a career counselor on your campus if you need assistance with these vital decisions.

Delores Dean
Director, Career Center
Florida A & M University 

We have many services available to freshmen students.  We offer career counseling, workshops on resume writing, interviewing, professional etiquette, networking and many others.  We provide freshmen students with opportunities for internship and co-op positions.  Freshmen will have experiences and networking opportunities to prepare for their ultimate careers after graduation.  The earlier you begin your career search, the more likely you will increase your career options.

Inman E. Otey
Director of the Career Center
Tennessee State University

1.) How effective is job placement for graduating seniors who use the Career Center?

Students who use the Career Center generally have a broader perspective of the job market. They (1) attend career counseling workshops to build skills in resume writing, interview techniques, and job search strategies; (2) network and share information with alumni and other professionals in the field; (3) participate in job fairs, internship experiences, and on-campus interviews with Fortune 500 companies and governmental agencies; (4) attend information sessions/dinners with corporate representatives prior to interviewing; and (5) peruse job announcements from all over the nation, learning about diversity in the workplace. Seniors who follow these procedures will be better equipped to compete in corporate America and will have a greater opportunity for a job offer before graduation.

Mr. Brutus N. Jackson
Director of Career Services
Elizabeth City State University

1.)    Will the company send me an itinerary before my plant visit?

Yes, the company should send you an itinerary before the visit with emergency telephone numbers to give to your family and administration

2.)    Would it be appropriate to dress down while on a plant visit?

No, you must dress professionally at all times while seeking employment.

Al W. Johnson
Director of Placement Services
Alcorn State University

1). Should I go to graduate school or get some work experience first?

The number one goal of our Five-Year Long-Range Plan for the Office of Placement Services at Alcorn State University is “to increase the number of graduates going to graduate or professional school.”  Go to graduate school first.  Additional education should mean greater earnings over one’s working life.  Generally speaking, an advance degree will facilitate entry into a career at a higher position level and earnings.

Francene Gilmer
Director, The Career Center
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN 37240

1.) Should I affiliate with professional associations?

 Absolutely! Joining professional associations strengthens your networking process, provides insight into the professional world, allows interaction with experts in the field, explores cutting-edge developments in the profession and fosters relationships with peers and professionals you would not meet otherwise. Whatever your major or career interest, there is an associated professional association. Most national organizations have local and regional affiliates to give you local contacts. There may even be student chapters for some organizations. Your status as a student allows you to take advantage of lower student membership fees and student registration fees for conferences. 

More important than joining the group is PARTICIPATING with the group!  Too often, we find ourselves as spectators rather than participants. The more involved you are, the more likely you are to learn.

Some colleges and universities will sponsor students to become members of various organizations. You have a responsibility to acknowledge that sponsorship and share the information received from conferences or publications with faculty and other students through arranged meetings or at organizational meetings.

Don’t be afraid to get involved in meeting the professionals you desire to emulate some day. The people you meet may become your mentors and friends in the near future.

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