outlook for business careers is bright, The

Black Collegian, Oct 1994 by Ruben, Lucy J

GAINING THE COMPETITIVE EDGE

Although job prospects are edging upward, massive corporate streamlining in recent years has left the job market extremely challenging. This year's new wave of graduates will find that they must compete with unemployed and under-employed experienced workers as well as with previous graduates who have not yet found their first jobs. A glaring reality is that one of the most important determinants of the quality and quantity of the graduate's job offers starts on the very first day of freshman classes--Grade Point Average!

In today's economy, where productivity is essential to corporate survival, a high GPA is a particularly convincing measure of willingness and ability to deliver high quality performance. This means that planning for that first job--which can springboard the graduate to a successful career in business--should be viewed in a long-term context. A high GPA is very difficult to achieve unless efforts are extended throughout the student's college career.

Yet, even the essential high GPA should be viewed as a necessary, but insufficient condition for assuring success in the new hire job market. The proper mix of courses is important. As FAMU's Dean put it, "Students must have computer skills." Tony Webb suggests that mathematics or engineering courses are helpful. Courses in business, mathematics, and computer applications are most frequently recommended.

Companies still look for evidence of experience, even from undergraduate-level job seekers. The old predicament of how to get that first level of experience is being addressed in a number of ways, both formally and informally. From an informal context, students may present work experience by working part-time, while pursuing their regular programs of study. This kind of work experience may be useful to a student who carefully balances work and study requirements to maintain an adequate GPA. Eleanor V. Horne of the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, New Jersey advises full-time undergraduate students against working more than 15 hours per week.

Recognizing the importance of business exposure, colleges and universities are increasingly assisting students by offering structured internships and co-operative assignments. These formal programs allow students to combine full-time work experience with Tony Webb's advice, "Stay in school! Get the Degree!".

Haynes and Dean emphasize their perception that job seekers should have experience dealing with people, especially in the area of customer relations. Several of FAMU's academic units actively place students in sponsored internships throughout the year.

"Most of our recruitment comes from our co-op program," acknowledges Dean Fluker. "The placement office at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is separate from the co-op program, but 85 percent-90 percent of the co-op participants get job offers through participation in the co-op program."

While objective factors such as grade point average and job experience play important roles in attracting job offers and achieving career success, the personal characteristics of success can not be underestimated. "Take the initiative! Be aggressive!" counsels Gina Ford.