Get the coaching that will land you that post-graduation job

January 28, 2008

Students who attend classes through the Center for Online Learning or at locations away from the University Campus are invited to consult with center staff about services and special employment-related events that may interest them, said Kim Edwards, associate director of Career Services, kim.edwards@saintleo.edu.

The Office of Career Services remains in deChantal Hall, but has expanded and renovated its suite. A reference room where students can research job openings and employers has doubled in size and been equipped with four new IBM desktop computers for student use. Students may also bring their own laptops to work at the center, where they will find additional books, magazines, and other materials critical to an informed job search.

The center is also the office on campus where companies and workplaces send recruiters to conduct on-campus job interviews with prospective hires.

Students can turn to the center staff for assistance in conducting their job searches. Center staff can help students polish their resumes and their interviewing skills.

Edwards said the slowing economy means employers are likely to hire fewer new workers in 2008 than in previous graduation years. “It’s definitely much more competitive for jobs this year,'Edwards said, “and seniors have to be prepared.'

Edwards recommends seniors participate in special event next month. On Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., the Senior Class will host a “Business Etiquette Dinner' and “Dress for Success' fashion show in the boardroom of the Student Community Center. The dinner will give students the chance to review and practice the etiquette required to succeed in business settings and during business-social events. During the fashion show, students will see their peers, males and females, modeling appropriate business attire. There is no cost for this session, but advance registration is required through Career Services or with Senior Class President Mary Major at mary.major@saintleo.edu.

The Career Services Center also provides assistance to students who want to apply to other graduate schools, and those looking for internships. These valuable career-exploration services are open to students from freshman to seniors, Edwards noted. She invites students to visit the center to learn more about the assistance available to them throughout their college years.

Saint Leo University is one of the country’s largest and most innovative Catholic universities, offering more than 40 academic programs.
Chartered in 1889 in the town of Saint Leo, Fla., north of Tampa, SLU now enrolls students at its traditional University Campus, at 16 regional education centers and at its Center for Online Learning. SLU is a leader in the field of online education and one of the nation’s foremost providers of higher education to the U.S. military. For more information, go to www.saintleo.edu.


Contact:
Kim Edwards, associate director of Career Services, (352) 588-8346 or kim.edwards@saintleo.edu
Benet Bondi, assistant director of internships, (352) 588-8468 or benet.bondi@saintleo.edu
Jo-Ann Johnston, SLU staff writer, (352) 588-8237 or news@saintleo.edu