Job-seeking seniors and others are encouraged to utilize Career Center program to connect with companies.
RICHARD NAVA
News Assistant
Every spring, seniors stand stymied amidst the celebratory nature of graduation and the shroud of uncertainty that surrounds it. Some may find that having four years of collegiate studies behind them does not necessarily clarify the years ahead.
It is an issue that the Career Center has tried to put to an end. By implementing several job-searching and career building tools into their program, the Career Center attempts to alleviate many students of the stress of the unknown and helps them on their chosen paths.
One such program is the On-Campus Interview Program. Though many may think the program is new, it was actually integrated into Pepperdine’s Career Center several years ago and has grown steadily.
“The On-Campus Interview Program has certainly increased in popularity by both students and employers in recent years,” said Katrina Wills, events and corporate relations coordinator for the Career Center. “For example, we host more than twice as many employers today compared to only three years ago. With the strong job market and more students becoming informed, we expect this growing trend to continue.”
The On-Campus Interview Program, or OCI, provides students with interviews from a list of registered employers. These employers include Boeing Company, Los Angeles Times, Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the CIA.
According to Wills, several new employers are expected to accept Pepperdine interviews including NASA.
“Most people think that their personal connections are everything,” said Robert Howl, Pepperdine alumnus and Boeing Company employee. “But, I can tell you first hand that there are incredible opportunities if you are willing to look beyond your immediate network.”
Howl interviewed for his position in October of his senior year and was offered a job in December. He stated that this removed the usual stress seniors often experience and put him at ease for the entire spring semester.
Desire Harris, a Pepperdine accounting major, also utilized the OCI program and accepted a position as a tax intern with Ernst & Young LLP.
“The internship gave me exposure to my field,” Harris said. “I have recently accepted a full-time position offer as a Tax Professional in their San Jose office for after I graduate.”
Both students said they would highly recommend the OCI program and Howl said that the hardest part of it was preparing his resume and interview skills. The rest, he stated, is just showing up for the interview.
The program is open to seniors who can apply online at the Career Center’s Web site. Juniors and underclassmen work on readying their resumes and polishing their interviewing skills in preparation for gaining eligibility into the OCI program.
According to Wills, the most important part of the resume is experience. Any and all full-time or part-time jobs, volunteer work, internships and campus involvement are a plus.
Wills also encourages students to participate in the many events and workshops hosted by the Career Center throughout the year, gain further knowledge and fine tune the tools needed in an interview.
Last year the Career Center held 195 interviews for full-time positions, and they hope the numbers will continue to rise.
09-14-2006