Seniors flock to Career Fair

The snow is melting and the air is filled with the sounds of birds chirping—which means graduation for some seniors.

Seniors gathered at the Career Fair in the Union on Tuesday to look for jobs and internships. With the recession and a 19 percent base budget cut coming at the U, seniors are finding it hard to get jobs, and graduate school costs are on the rise.

“It’s time to take it serious,” said Michael Jenson, a senior in mechanical engineering.

Jenson is luckier than some—he already had an internship. He hopes that his internship will lead to a job after graduation.

The career fair wasn’t only for seniors. Jenson’s brother Daniel, who graduated in 2008, was there networking for jobs since he’s unemployed.

“The biggest thing is being out in the market and talking to people,” said Daniel Jenson, who graduated in health promotion and education from the U. The biggest success for him was connecting with people in the industry and networking, he said.

Networking is a big part of getting a job, said Dana Sowby, associate director of career services.

“We encourage students to talk to other people because it is amazing how networking encourages opportunities,” she said. “The physical contact and conversation can help them in the process.”

Others are putting off career prospects for more schooling as the recession continues.
Students such as Katie Ericson, a senior in mass
communication, are looking to apply for graduate school.

“Hopefully, I will get in,” she said. “Just applying to grad school, there seems to be a record amount of people applying for programs. That just goes to show that there aren’t jobs for people with degrees.”

During the most recent Utah State Legislative session, lawmakers approved a 19 percent budget cut for higher education. This cut will most likely lead to higher tuition rates during a time of high unemployment and many students going back to school.

Chuck Wight, dean of the Graduate College, said there’s been a 6 percent increase in enrollment this year and that there has been a gradual growth for many years. As more students stay in school, the funds to support them drop. The Graduate College’s funds for research assistants is up, but funding for teaching and graduate assistants is low because of the budget cuts, Wight said.

For tips on searching for jobs and internships, contact Career Services at 801-581-6186.

j.bowen@chronicle.utah.edu

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