On July 15, Columbia Southern University will launch CareerQuest, a comprehensive, on-line resource that will allow students to jump-start their career by assisting them in finding the best professional opportunity possible, within their chosen profession.
Many graduates discover that finding the right job opportunity, to match their career goals and objectives, can be a daunting experience. Often, graduates come to realize that without the right connections or tools, it becomes necessary to settle for the first job that comes along.
Research suggests that many U.S. college graduates are underemployed and working in jobs that do not require a college degree simply because they lack the ability to effectively develop their professional brand, sell their strengths during an interview, or even identify potential employers. Further research also shows that despite their degrees, most college graduates think they need additional education or training to secure the jobs they want even if it is within their chosen field.
An Accenture poll showed that in 2011 and 2012, only 39% of college graduates had jobs lined up by the time they graduated. Even fewer had been able to secure a position within their degree field and in 2013, the number of college students with jobs immediately following graduation had fallen to 16%.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2014 Job Outlook Survey estimates that employers will hire approximately 8% more college graduates this year than in previous years.
At CSU, we understand that no matter how many jobs are added to the economy, it’s still up to each individual graduate to be proactive in launching their job search and ultimately, achieving their career and life goals.
CareerQuest is the missing link between the degree each graduate has earned and their ability to achieve his or her professional goals. The CareerQuest software is a liaison that facilitates connections between CSU students and potential employers. The CareerQuest software was developed to provide graduates a competitive edge in the highly competitive marketplace. It will allow our CSU students and graduates the opportunity to connect with employers who post career opportunities and job openings directly from the CSU website.
Tune into CSU Talk Radio on Tuesday, July 1 at 6 pm Central as Sonya Lavett, Student and Alumni Engagement manager, gives a preview of CSU’s latest offering to help students find the right job for them.
I wish CSU offered graduates, students, and alumni job placement services instead. That would go a long way.
Thank you for your comment. While CSU does not offer job placement, we do offer services to all of our students and alumni to assist in the achievement of career related goals. We know how hard you work and that you enrolled with CSU to further your career. Career Services is available to review your resume, cover letter, and other professional correspondence and offer our recommendations for improvement, assist you in developing an effective LinkedIn profile, build your networking skills, help you prepare for an interview, and collaborate on establishing a job search strategy that works for you. With the launching of CareerQuest and the potential to connect directly with employers, you have all of the resources you need to discover the career you anticipated when you took that first step to further your education at CSU. Please contact us at careerservices@columbiasouthern.edu if you would like to take advantage of these services. We are happy to help!