MSU prepares grads for jobs—and life
In the face of expanding economic challenges and a
which demands that they be flexible and
This is the second column in a series in
tightening job market, Michigan State University
entrepreneurial in the rapidly evolving global
which Charles Salmon, the Ellis N.
graduates are proving they are well prepared and in
economy, according to MSU's latest Recruiting Trends
Brandt Endowed Chair in Public
demand as they enter the workplace.
survey, an annual forecast of the nation's college job
Relations at MSU and former dean of
market.
MSU's College of Communication Arts
Michigan State consistently ranks among the top five
target universities for employers recruiting
"The premium is being placed on flexibility and
and Sciences, shares stories from Israel, where he is on
sabbatical.
undergraduate talent according to Universum, an
adaptability," says Bishop. "This change in the labor
employer consulting firm with more than 1,200 clients
market looks like it's permanent. Those who can
Melding Middle Eastern and Alpine styles
around the world, including most of the Fortune 500
quickly adapt are the ones who are going to survive
Metula, July 2009
employers.
The ice underneath is slick and thick. Russian
According to the MSU survey of more than 2,500
companies and institutions, hiring levels are at their
lowest in several decades. The survey does, however,
offer some encouragement for job seekers. Contrary
"We consistently hear from employers that MSU grads
are work-ready, sociable, and are team players," says
Kelley Bishop, director of MSU's Career Services
Network.
Metula is a curious little town nestled snugly in the
luscious green mountains of the north. It is home to
one of Israel's finest athletic facilities, the Canada
backbone of the college labor market, with hiring
Centre, built with funds from Canadian Jewish
expected to increase 15 percent in the coming year,
friends of Israel. In addition to hockey, it has venues
and prospects are good for students focused on
for swimming, bowling, squash, basketball, and
e-commerce and entrepreneurship.
pistol shooting, as well as a spa.
Other hot sectors that should see hiring increases
A block away, cafés, restaurants, and hotels line the
include agriculture production and food processing,
winding main street, including one lodge aptly
environmental sciences, information systems,
named the Alaska Inn. The best restaurant—an
manufacturing, nonprofits, statistics, nursing, social
outstanding steakhouse—routinely is booked up
work, multimedia, and Web design.
to a month in advance. The town hosts an annual
careers by networking with prospective employers,
the workplace and postcollege life.
Metula.
hurting, these employers actually remain the
aggressive about their futures early in their college
opportunities provides MSU students with important advantages in
am I? Skating on Israel's only ice hockey rink—in
to media reports that most small employers are
Bishop indicates that it is imperative for students to be
The balance of strong academic programs and abundant leadership
phrases fill the air. And it's the middle of July. Where
poetry festival, which attracts some of the finest
poets from all over the country, as well as the
national figure skating championships.
landing internships, and developing critical-thinking
Some houses are more than a century old, dating
skills. He says this is necessary for students in all
back to the era when Baron Rothschild bought land
majors—from engineering to liberal arts—because
to establish a community in this ruggedly beautiful
employers are worried less about students' majors and
terrain. Plaques provide narratives about each
more about whether they can solve problems and
historic building, noting its original purpose and
think outside the box.
inhabitants.
MSU's comprehensive Career Services Network
A short drive away, one can ski on the wintry slopes
reaches out to students as early as freshman
of Mount Hermon, wade in the refreshingly cold
orientation to get them started on building the skills
freshwater streams of the Banias National Reserve,
they'll need during their job search. The Career
and hike to the formidable mountain fortress of
Recent MSU graduates face a particularly tough job
Services Network helps students select a major or
Nimrod.
market and fierce competition. The market for college
change majors, offers assessment instruments, assists
graduates has fallen some 40 percent in the past year,
with internship and job searches, offers numerous
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