CALLING ALL SENIORS who are ready to graduate but feel slightly apprehensive about making the transition from being a student to being a professional in the real world. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium of Higher Education Career Services is hosting a program entitled “from Backpack to Briefcase” on Feb. 19 at Boscov’s in the Plymouth Meeting Mall, intended to ease the stress of entering a professional work environment for the soon-to-be college graduates.
Dedication, determination and drive is what gets seniors to graduation, but many are unsure about how they’ll conduct themselves in an environment much different from a college campus. Kristie Conway Beucler, assistant director of cooperative education and career services and member of SEPCHE Career Services, invites students to attend the first annual program designed to ease the tension that comes with entering the job market.
“Certain ‘unwritten rules’ of conducting oneself in a professional setting will be discussed at the ‘Backpack to Briefcase’ program,” Beucler said.
Michelle Shirey, regional manager of the College Central Network, will be one of the three speakers present at the program. Shirey will give an overview about the “nuts and bolts” of your job search. Linda Yaffe, principal of Working Matters, will discuss the etiquette regarding job interviews, starting a new job, interactions with colleagues, and other matters to consider in a professional environment. Debi McIntyre, college recruiter at The Vanguard Group, will also present a segment about the interviewer’s point of view. McIntyre will help students create a resume that will set them apart from the crowd.
The event will also feature a fashion show, which will include students from each of the eight SEPCHE colleges as they model professional wardrobe options.
Opportunities to network and dinner will precede the event. “With several job fairs in the near future, students need to perfect their resumes and prepare to speak to recruiters. This program will help them do just that, “Beucler said.
Cabrini’s Career and Co-op department has a 98 percent job placement status within six months after graduation. This program is just another way to take advantage of what the office has to offer its students.
“There are not too many schools that can say you have almost a 100 percent chance of getting a job. That includes internships where you can get involved as early as your first semester sophomore year,” freshman and English/communications major, Robin Cook said.
Many upperclassmen are looking ahead to their future after Cabrini. Programs such as “from Backpack to Briefcase” help students take the most from their college experience and get exposure in the career world.
“I think this program is a good thing because it gives students an opportunity to successfully put out their resumes and figure out what they want to do,” said English and secondary education major, junior Laura Giorlando.
If interested in attending the SEPCHE program, “from Backpack to Briefcase” students should pre-register in the Career and Co-op office by Feb. 14th to receive the $5 price for tickets. $10 tickets will also be available at the door. Transportation will be provided for those who indicate a need when purchasing the ticket. Eight lucky attendees will win door prizes at the end of the night.
