Former University Graduate Works as Job Placement Coordinator
It is always a success when University students find a job that they love, and then come back to the University to share their knowledge with current students. This is the case for Jeff Mass, the Job Placement Coordinator for Career Services.
Mass graduated from the University in 2004 with a degree in Business Administration. After graduating, Mass worked as a recruitment consultant for Telcordia Technologies in Piscataway, NJ. He stayed there for a year before moving on to be executive recruiter for Snelling Staffing Services in New York City. After four years of employment, he came back to the University, and has been working here for almost two years.
“Both jobs entailed full life cycle recruiting for various hiring managers,” said Mass. This means that he worked with every aspect in the hiring process, from reviewing resumes to placing people into positions within the company.
As the Job Placement Coordinator for Career Services, Mass counsels students individually in regards to their careers. This could include choosing a major, creating a resume, techniques for finding jobs or getting an internship, interview preparation, and graduate school planning.
He also helps out with events related to Career Services, such as career days or networking programs.
Mass is able to interact with both students and alumni on a daily basis. There are many people who utilize Career Services, and for a good reason. “It’s very fulfilling when students take the time to write you a personalized email about how they landed a full-time, part-time, or internship position after that first initial appointment,” said Mass.
Unfortunately, the economy is not in the best condition for placing people in new jobs. “Given this bleak economy,” says Mass, “it’s frustrating when you can’t find everyone a job.” Even though there is a “bleak” outlook for graduates in their job searches, an article written for The Chicago Tribune by Alejandra Cancino reports that it is best to jump into your field right out of college rather then settle for a lesser job. She said, “The longer college graduates go without working in their field, the harder it is to land interviews for jobs where they would use their degree.” Career services can help place students in jobs that are related to their major and that give them experience in the line of work in which they majored.
Mass would not change anything in the process that got him back working at the University. He praises the academic programs at the University, saying that they are “top notch.”
As not just an employee, but an alumnus, Mass has nothing but good things to say about his former university and current employer. “The school has a great curriculum and the professors are always willing to help.” Mass said that the only thing that could possibly change for the better would be to add a Starbucks on campus. “I think the students and staff would love it!” he said.
Mass will be the advisor for a new University club, The Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources. Mass said that the club is geared to students who want a career in human resources.
He is also enrolled in the Masters program here at the University. He plans on getting his masters in Corporate and Public Communication.
PHOTO COURTESY of Jeff Mass
