Dear Editor,
 
(In response to “Life After College Uncertain” by Rita West)  A professional we work with calls it “anxious avoidance.”  It’s the inaction that comes during many decision-making processes, when we are scared of the unknown, getting mixed messages, and dealing with conflicting priorities.  It’s also what we in the Career Development Center (CDC) have observed so many of the Loyola seniors get lost in this year, as you’ve read the negative articles and caught the ambivalence of the unsettled economy.  But the personal price of anxious avoidance is high.  There are lost opportunities and desperate choices, the ones that come once parents say “You must have a job by X date or you’re cut off.”  The good news is there is action you can take to be in control and have better answers to the question, “What are you going to do after graduation?”
 
The CDC provides direction, guidance, and planning. We can help you step-by-step through the process of self discovery to decision making. For those of you who prefer personal attention, make an appointment with one of our career coaches.  If you prefer more independent discovery and planning, our website offers a wealth of resources – EMPLOYOLA, CareerBeam, GoingGlobal, CareerShift, Vault, career information handouts, links, e- job boards and advice.

Assess your strengths, interests, and skills.  Explore multiple occupational paths available with your major and how to design a supporting search strategy. Build career search materials, such as resumes, cover letters, and thank you notes.  Find copies of archived newsletters with articles on the hot career sectors, job search strategies, finding government jobs, writing personal statements for graduate school.  Review, revise and reaffirm your interests, skills, and values.

Finally, set goals and start making decisions. Connect your knowledge about yourself and the world of work to formulate career goals. Include the CDC, faculty, alumni, and family in the process for different perspectives. Stay positive and upbeat, and remember that your first position is only the beginning of your post-graduation journey. 
So, the next time someone asks you, “What are your plans after graduation?”  We recommend saying, “I’m not exactly sure, but I’m exploring options in a variety of areas including: communications, sales, healthcare, and rock star. Do you have any suggestions of people I should speak to or organizations I should contact?”
You might as well do some networking, too.

Sincerely,
Career Development Center Staff