A college education is one of the main factors that can be a determination of an individual’s success not in the workforce, but in the future. One method that helps current collegiate students discover their career path is networking with professionals, especially in their desired field of study.
According to Assistant Dean of Career Services William Hill, over 1,000 students made appointments to meet with their staff last year to help plan their career path upon graduation. Hill believes the connections you make in the work force can determine how quickly and far you succeed, and that you have to find ways to distinguish yourself from other applicants.
Hill advised, “Understand the employers’ needs and challenges, and present yourself to the employer as a solution to their challenges.” Hill said that a student who is polite, has a killer resume, dresses professionally, is always on time, avoids checking their phone in conversations, and takes a consistent approach to contacting employers will ultimately impress recruiters.
“It’s mostly simple stuff but easily overlooked,” he said.
Hill also believes that the expansion of technology leaves an impact on employment opportunities throughout the job market. He said, “Finding a job is both harder and easier. Technology allows you to contact employers so much easier now, but it makes it easier for everyone, so that increases competition, which can make it more difficult to get noticed.”
Because of this, it is vital for students to amp up their networking while still in college.
A graduate of Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, Hill’s first job out of college was as a high school teacher which he found through a friend. He shortly realized that he lost a passion for teaching, which led him on the path to administration.
Monmouth alum and current Graduate Assistant of Career Services, Max Sobrano (‘19), believes that networking is probably the most important aspect of not only business, but life in general.
He said, “You will meet countless people in your life and first impressions mean so much. I was fortunate enough to help start the MU Sports Industry Club that connects students with sports industry executives, thus helping students get jobs in pro sports. With all the competition out there for jobs nowadays, you just need a way to get your foot in the door and then it is up to you to show your worth.”
Sobrano explained that research and knowledge of an organization prior to meeting with employers or recruiters are attractive, and that you should never stop seeking advice for the best career path.
He said, “Recruiters meet hundreds of people all year and if you are able to show that you want to work for a specific company you can really prove that you can be the right choice for them over others.” Sobrano recommends finding a mentor or someone to shadow while still in college because it prepares you for the field, shows you what to expect, and teaches you how to succeed.
Sobrano concluded, “I personally know how many students can overlook many of Monmouth University’s wide variety of services like Career Services, since personally I really never used it much as an undergrad (and I really should have). Not only can students have career services help them with resumes and the very important LinkedIn Profile, but also we can give students tips on what to expect on their internship or full time job search.”
Career Services helps students prepare for life after Monmouth, Sobrano mentioned.
Meanwhile, senior business student Kyle Butts will be continuing his education in pursuit of an MBA on a full athletic scholarship at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. Upon graduating Slippery Rock, Butts will began his coaching career on the staff in spring 2021.
“I am an aspiring football coach, specifically as a Special Teams Coordinator,” he said. “Networking is important in a career field like this because jobs open up all the time in this profession and it’s crucial to know plenty of people that can speak on my character.”
Building connections at Monmouth allows faculty to get to know students and their career goals while teaching them just how to get that dream job.
Hill concluded by explaining that being an excellent writer is an attractive attribute, and that employment services should be used at all times when achieving your desired career.
Writing Services is an on-campus resource dedicated to amplifying the writing skills of MU students.
Hill said, “Write well. Writing is a tough skill to master and most people are poor writers. If you can write well-crafted, persuasive, and concise cover letters and resumes, you will be way ahead of the pack.”
PHOTO COURTESY of Monmouth University
