Black Collegian Career Center

As you prepare to enter the workforce, there are seven major points of advice I'd like to share with you.

Brenda B. Davis (right)

1. Research the organization before signing up for the interview, especially if it is an organization that you are not familiar with. Sometimes, students sign up to interview with an organization based on the sole fact that the organization is     recruiting their major. A significant amount of time should be devoted to researching a company and seeking out information that will determine whether the student sees himself/herself as a good match for that company.

2. Be open to change.  Change could be related to the student's major, job offers, long- range goals, or location.  It could mean the difference between being offered a position or not being offered a position.

3. Explore all options before making a decision on a career opportunity.  In other words,  do not look at salary alone or any one area when making a decision that can impact the future.  Look at the total picture.  Does the company have good benefits, medical /dental plans, stock options, educational benefits, opportunities for advancement, etc.?  Where will you be located and does the city offer what you need in terms of  social, religious, or community involvement?

4. Be mobile.  Keep your options open in terms of location.  Go where the position takes you, especially if you are in the position to travel and relocate. If at all possible, apply for a co-op or internship position.  A co-op or internship position can give you the edge needed when applying for a permanent position.  This type of work experience helps students to mature and become better prepared for the world of work prior to graduation.  They have the opportunity to learn about financial management, how to work outside of their comfort zone, and then use the practical experience learned when returning to the classroom.

5. Practice financial responsibility.  Never become overindulgent in the use of credit cards.  Your first job is not guaranteed past the first year.  Continuation of employment can be based on your annual evaluation as well as the company's needs. By falling into the pit of  "having outstanding credit card bills," students stand a chance of becoming poor credit risks possibly adversely impacting their employment.

6. Represent your university to the best of your ability.  Students, both as co-op/ internship students, or graduates serve as keys that can either open or close doors for other students.  How well you perform on the job dictates in many cases, as to whether that organization will continue to recruit at your institution.

Brenda B. Davis is the director of Career Development Services at Alabama A&M University.