Opinion
 

Soon-to-be grads left searching for answers

Stuart Clements

I haven't seen the news in weeks, so I have no idea what's going on in the real world. I'll use today's column to gripe about my own problems and hope readers care.

I, like probably one-third of students who call themselves seniors, am in line to graduate sometime in May, and I'm scared to death. Perhaps it's an issue of taking the wrong classes, or studying the wrong subjects, but I feel wholly unprepared to step into the real world via a position in the rat race.

When my brother's wick was burning low in his last semester, I recall him having the opportunity to attend career fairs, and he was a whiz at building resumes and introductory letters -- in other words, he knew the necessary steps to conduct a successful job search. He was trained as a soon-to-be graduate to pursue several different opportunities for employment.

How is it that he was so proficient at this, and I, on the other hand, have no idea where to even start? I attribute this gap in my education to the choice I made to be a student in the liberal arts, a choice that creates a severe disadvantage in regard to career prospects. I'm to the point that the coffeehouse seems like the only destination for one with a philosophy degree.

I don't think that my confusion is a product of simple ignorance. It is a shortcoming that spurs from the educational institute that I attend. Not once in any English or philosophy class was I taught to construct a resume or given instruction in appropriate interview etiquette, etc. Why are these skills not taught? Certainly they seem like skills essential to the next stage in a young adult's life. These skills would ensure a much simpler time acquiring gainful employment.

I received a letter from the Alumni Association last week, obviously UH's first attempt at wrestling a check from my hands in the form of a donation. Frankly, I'd love to make a donation to support the school that supported me for so long, but I can't since I don't have any money, and more importantly, I don't know where to find any.

It's confusing to me that I would be asked for money, but concurrently was not directed to a place to look for money. I know career fairs are on campus, but I haven't been given forewarning of such events. I'd like to know if there is a seminar offered to graduating seniors to help them improve resume-building skills and techniques on how to impress employers and when and where it will be held.

I can't imagine that I'm the only student confused by the lack of support regarding career placement. If anyone has any help for me, however, let me know where I can get started.

Clements, a columnist for The Daily Cougar, 
can be reached at pipinghot69@hotmail.com.