ALICIA YOUNG
staff Writer
Two more weeks, then no more homework. Two more weeks, then no more tests. But for some Pepperdine seniors, two more weeks, then something far more menacing enters the picture: real job.
But the perks of working right after graduation far outweigh the sometimes daunting expectations of entering the job field. After all, 27 percent of hiring managers anticipate increases in starting salaries for 2006 graduates, and only five percent plan on decreases, according to CareerBuilder’s “College Hiring 2006” survey.
This year’s seniors can expect to earn between $20,000 and $50,000, according to the same survey.
Senior Beverly Ilagan plans to eliminate her loans as she searches for a job in the field of psychology. But student debt is not the only thing on Ilagan’s mind.
“I hope to hold onto a position until I complete my masters,” she said.
A wide range of opportunities are ahead of Ilagan, as her work experience ranges from involvement with Jumpstart, PVC Publicity Coordinator, student worker in the Financial Aid Office, publicity and marketing intern for Convo and Student Ministries, to work at the Banana Republic in Malibu.
For many grads, this summer will provide a much needed change of pace from their previous jobs. Senior Michael Miller worked a variety of construction jobs before he became the Director of Operations and Client Services for Veritas. “Construction in Arizona in the summer is not the most fun,” Miller said, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be taking advantage of summer’s warm weather. Aside from rent, food, gas and savings, Miller plans on spending his money on surf trips.
Not only will Miller be spending his free time catching waves, but he also plans on working on “outside business projects, attending seven weddings, and hopefully moving my girlfriend back out to Malibu from Manhattan,” he said.
Miller is not the only senior who is looking forward to a busy summer. Fellow 2006 grad Janna Lineback will start her job at Google the first Monday after the graduation ceremonies.
Lineback plans to move to Mountainview, Calif., and begin work as a coordinator for Froogle (the online-shopping branch of Google.) She will serve as the liaison between clients and Google.
To secure her job, Lineback had to undergo an intense application process. First, she sent in her resume, then she was sent a worksheet with essay questions that had to be completed within 48 hours. After she turned in her responses, she was asked to attend an interview at Google’s headquarters in northern California.
Fortunately for Lineback, this hiring process resulted in a success, and she was hired as a temporary employee for one year.
“After six months I will be re-evaluated and hopefully I will land a permanent position.”
Silicon Valley is not for everyone, however. Senior Lianne Coon is moving to Boulder, Colo.
“I have a few job options there that I am looking into,” she said, “either in the field of graphic design or the service industry.”
Coon is not alone as she travels outside of California to secure a job. Senior Julie Chang is moving to Japan in August to participate in the JET program. This program involves teaching English in Japanese schools.
Until August, however, Chang will be spending even more time in the classroom as she teaches summer school in Hawaii, her home state.
“I am only teaching for half the day, for six weeks, so I’ll have a lot of free time to hang out with friends and family,” she said.
With so many positions available in diverse fields, it is no surprise that Pepperdine seniors are eager to work after graduation.
According to Brad Dudley, Director of the Career Center, six months after graduation 75 percent of Pepperdine graduates are employed full-time, 20 percent are enrolled in graduate school and 5 percent are seeking employment.
04-13-2006