Students start the job search and face successes, challenges

The Sower surveyed students about their job search process.

By William Swanson and Aaron Spivey

This article is featured in the April print edition of the Sower newspaper. 

Concordia students preparing to enter the workforce are turning to campus resources like Career Services and career fairs held on campus to gain an edge in an increasingly competitive job market.

The Career Services office, located in the Student Success Center in Janzow, helps students make the transition from college to career. The office hosts two career fairs each year, giving students opportunities to network with employers, explore internships and secure future employment.

Career Services offers support with resumes, mock interviews, internship searches and professional profile building on platforms such as LinkedIn and Handshake. These services fall under the leadership of Director of Student Success Daisha Sorensen, who oversees student support initiatives designed to prepare students for life after graduation.

“Your college career will go fast, and before you know it, you may be looking for internships and job opportunities,” Sorensen said. “It is important to have a resume built and aware of your strengths/weaknesses for an interview. It is also important to network. Networking is a critical piece not only to find a job but in your career life and experience.”

While these resources are widely available, student experiences in the job search process can vary significantly. The Sower created a student survey about career searches and it was sent out to students through the Student Life office.

Responses came from a range of class standings and academic disciplines. Of those surveyed, 41% were seniors, 17% juniors, 35% sophomores and 5% freshmen. The largest group of respondents came from education and psychology majors, though a wide array of programs were represented. Many students in these fields reported success in securing internships, job shadow opportunities, or even early job placements within their intended careers.

Not all students shared the same level of success, however. When asked to describe how their job search is going, just under half said their experience has been poor. These students are primarily searching for full-time positions, which often come with higher expectations and increased competition.

In contrast, students who reported their job search as going well were mostly seeking part-time positions, which may offer more flexibility and availability.

The survey also showed that students are actively using multiple job search platforms, including LinkedIn, Handshake and Indeed. Still, many respondents expressed frustration, noting that they have struggled to find opportunities that align with their interests or meet their expectations.

Senior Hannah Kile, a criminal justice and psychology major, is among the students who are facing challenges. Kile said she hopes to become a crime scene investigator, but her job search has not gone as planned. She explained that many of the positions she has found either do not align with her interests or fail to offer competitive pay.

Underclassmen are already taking proactive steps toward their careers. Sophomore Kerria Wright, an elementary education major, said she started her job search in November. Wright is currently looking for a part-time position that offers both experience and competitive pay.

While some students are finding success, others continue to face obstacles in identifying and securing meaningful employment opportunities. By providing networking events, professional development tools, and individualized support, Concordia aims to bridge that gap and better prepare students for the realities of the job market.