Employment gurus advise getting a college job, using resources

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Linda Kessler / Intern Writer

The Anthropology Student Association held “Life after College,” a seminar with a panel of experienced college graduates to discuss their post-graduation plans and how they can use their undergraduate degree to get a job in the real world on Thursday evening.

The event was coordinated by ASA president Ashley Givens and emceed by anthropology professor and director of undergraduate affairs Beverly Davenport. The panel was made up of applied anthropology graduate student Chris Ferrell, UNT alumni Sarah Reed and Shane Pahl, UNT career advisor for the College of Public Affairs and Service Gena Kirkwood and Peace Corps regional recruiter Genevieve Dozier.

The seminar focused on getting one-on-one, real world advice from real people who have had the same experiences. While the event was hosted by ASA, the advice from the panel could easily transfer to help anyone trying to survive and thrive in “Life after College.”

“A lot comes in retrospect, such as working throughout college,” Pahl said. “Taking a wide variety of classes helps you come up with different approaches to problems.”

Kirkwood said working through college was important for gaining experience.

“Get experience, be proactive about getting yourself and your name out there,” she said. “It doesn’t necessarily matter what it is, because it’s how you market it and make it applicable. The skills you’re using in jobs are transferable skills. Highlight them in your resume.”

Kirkwood stressed that students need to keep an open mind. She said college is all about exploration and you don’t have to stick with what you started with.

“Explore by talking to your professors, going to career fairs, [and] getting experience,” Kirkwood said. “You just never know what opportunities will be available to you.”

Pahl reminded students to take advantage of opportunities and not just take in the experiences simply to have them, but make the most of them.

Dozier praised the Career Services Center.

“If I could change anything, I’d utilize the Career Services,” she said “Don’t take this time for granted. It’s going to go by really fast. Don’t ever sell yourself short. Push yourself.”

Ferrell said students need to engage with their professors. He also advised having a one, three and five-year plan with specific goals. He said students don’t have to follow it to the letter, but it’s good to have a concrete guide.

English sophomore Bridget Landis, who attended the seminar, said it was reassuring to know that there is a future.

“I didn’t really know what to do with myself after college,” she said. “It’s good to know what others did to use as an example.”

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