Industry leaders inspire TSU students to prepare for job success

By Martin Ricard
Diversity Institute Fellow

03.28.06

Printer-friendly page

A group of business leaders had a message for Tennessee State University students Tuesday: higher-level careers await them if they are prepared.

The leaders, which included a mix of TSU alumni and other corporate executives, visited classes as part of a networking program hosted by the university's career center to help students understand factors that lead to successful careers.

"There are opportunities out there," said Raymond Hill, a district controller of finance for United Parcel Service. "It's important for students to see that there are professionals in high positions that look like them…and to know you can succeed to a higher level."

With less than three months until seniors and graduate students walk the stage, many are working to secure full-time jobs and set their futures in motion, said Tonya Fizer, program coordinator for the career center, which hosted representatives from about 37 companies as part of an effort called the Student Motivation Task Force.

College freshmen, sophomores and juniors also are beginning to think about career opportunities, she said.

There is good news this year: companies expect to fill more entry-level jobs and offer higher salaries than a year ago, the National Association of Colleges and Employers said. But job seekers must be more prepared.

According to a survey the association conducted last fall, about 25 percent of college graduates said they are very prepared while 19 percent said they are not.

"Employers this year are looking for students to research the companies, be prepared for interviews, have good résumés, and get related work experience before graduation," said Andrea Koncz, the association's employment information manager.

One of the key messages business representatives passed on to students Tuesday was that they need to take responsibility for their own success.

"It has to be yours," said Florine Harbour, a TSU alumna who is an industrial hygienist at General Motors Corp. "If you want to be something, everyday you've got to look like it because you are the person who is going to have to be successful in the end."

Brandon Donahue, a freshmen art major who owns a graphic design T-shirt business, said after listening to the task force speak he was motivated to take more initiative in pursuing his passion of cinematography.

"I just feel now that the sky's the limit," Donahue said.

Related

Articles by Winter 2006 Diversity Institute Fellows
Collection of Articles by Winter 2006 Diversity Institute Fellows  03.31.06