As graduation approaches, many students are feeling unsure about what comes next since the economy is so unpredictable. However, they are not alone. There is support available and plenty of reasons to stay hopeful.
“The current economy is challenging, but there is opportunity,” said Darlene O’Neill, Director of Employment and Student Entrepreneurial Services at Fanshawe College. “Students need to talk to the career services team to find out where they would fit in the current economy… and also, it’s changing daily as we know, so don’t lose the faith.”
Darlene O’Neill (Director, Employment and Student Entrepreneurial Services)
O’Neill says there are still job opportunities available, especially in fields such as digital marketing, business, healthcare, and the trades. “Everybody needs HR. Everybody needs marketing, social influencing, social media, digital marketing… and of course healthcare and the trades.”
Students who want to stand out are encouraged to get involved. “It’s really important for students to get involved in student life… get involved in clubs, get involved in volunteering on campus, get involved in mentorship opportunities, student governance, attend events and workshops,” she said. “Their academics are really, really important, but also becoming a holistic individual is important.”
O’Neill also talked about the key skills that employers are looking for right now. “They need employees that can communicate clearly both in writing and verbally… with the right attitude that can work towards the goal of the organization… and have initiative.”
Career Services offers a range of helpful support. “Anything from your one-on-one meetings with your career advisor to accessing just-in-time workshops… We are your navigators for your future career.”
Students have different perspectives on the job market. One student shared, “I just finished my graduation, so I am searching for a job. Currently, I am doing an internship in French Student Service… it’s like a harsh reality that nowadays a job is too hard to find. So, I think we should focus… more on improving our skills.”
Another student mentioned, “Students need to be careful what they study… There’s a lot of flooding that’s happening in many industries in terms of too many people that are studying certain things.”
For some, the focus remains on the short term. “I’m working at the beach in the summer… Honestly, I haven’t planned on celebrating [graduation] at all… just working, trying to make more money.”
Whether it’s figuring out their career path or landing a summer job, students are navigating their next steps, taking things one at a time.
