By Dr. Christina Suthammanont, assistant professor of political science
Every summer, students wonder whether they should take classes or just work and catch up with friends.
While hard work during the traditional academic year should be rewarded, the current (and foreseeable) job prospects for new college graduates remain uncertain.
Even college graduates have not been immune from the global economic downturn and soft (and fragile) recovery.
Since 2010, both employment and salaries of recent college graduates have “fallen sharply” (NYT 5/18/11), with nearly half of all U.S. college graduates unemployed (KABC-TV, 4/23/2012).
Given these numbers, students should keep in mind that GPAs and courses are important but so is demonstrating responsibility, the ability to juggle multiple tasks and the self-motivation to give to others.
To increase your chances of snagging that coveted interview and landing that perfect job, here are some things you can do this summer that will yield big dividends down the road.
First, volunteer for a local political candidate. This is an election year so there are plenty of volunteer and internship opportunities from locally elected officials. For instance, Councilwoman Leticia Ozuna has requested a volunteer from Texas A&M University-San Antonio and other universities but, to date, she has had no applicants.
Others, too, are eager to help students build their experience and resumes. Familiarize yourself with the candidate’s background and district and you will shine during the interview process — and maybe even land a paid position. But don’t expect one; such positions are usually filled from within the campaign — by a current volunteer.
Second, volunteer in your community. Potential employers love to see a resume that shows you are engaged in your community. Why? Because it shows you are motivated and connected to your community, which means you will be more likely to stay with a company longer than someone who just wants a job until the next best thing comes along. Visit VolunteerMatch. The City of San Antonio Internship program also provides valuable experience.
Third, ask for more responsibility at your current job. Show your employer that it really is school that keeps you busy but, given the opportunity, you would put that brand new knowledge to work for her. But don’t ask for more pay; your employer, in all likelihood, is already offering some flexibility so that you can attend classes in the fall and spring. So show your appreciation by giving back. She won’t forget when the company is looking to promote from within.
Fourth, if you really liked a class this semester and wished you could have done more on that term paper, contact the professor and ask if she would be amenable to helping you turn that term paper into a conference paper. If you are even remotely thinking of graduate school, this will look excellent on your application. If you are pursuing a career in the private or public sector, you can list a conference presentation on your resume, thereby demonstrating public speaking and presentation skills.
Fifth, remember this little diddy: You can’t compete from behind your computer. In order to show what you can do, you have to do something. Each of the suggestions above allows you to show your interests, your motivation and enhance your skills — all with little to no risk. So take that first step this summer and show the world what you can do. It will distinguish you from the other recent college graduate who sat behind the computer.
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Writer Bio: Dr. Suthammanont graduated cum laude from New York University in 2000 with a B.A. in Political Science. She earned her Ph.D. in Political Science from Texas A&M University-College Station in 2006. While at NYU, she became a certified volunteer with the Literacy Volunteers of America, volunteered for the Bill Bradley for President Campaign in New Jersey and Iowa, and volunteered for La Leche — all while working part-time and raising a family. She is now Assistant Professor of Political Science here at Texas A&M-San Antonio.
