For certain students on campus, the idea of obtaining work seems out of reach with the lack of immediate job hiring and long wait times in hearing back from interviewers can lead aspiring candidates to feel demotivated and even give up on the process entirely.
It is no secret that students at Ferris are experiencing difficulty and discouragement in finding work, according to television and digital media sophomore Broderick Sara.
“Literally nobody can get a job. I just think that is outrageous,” Sara said. “All incoming students basically are having trouble. The only way I have seen people get a job is if they have a direct connection to the person or if you are living in the dorms. That is obviously the easiest job you can get.”
Sara mentioned the fact that his friends have not found work opportunities despite applying to numerous jobs beyond campus. Employers frequently expressed the fact that they had reached hiring capacity and did not need any new candidates.
“Students need money. I’m running low on money for sure already and I’ve been here for 10-11 weeks,” Sara said. “I’m looking ahead and I’m thinking I don’t have enough money for the school year and I would like a job but I can’t find one.”
Director of the Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services Angela Roman shared her professional insight on what students can do in the meantime.
“Most employers are using online applicant tracking systems which makes it difficult for an applicant to stand out,” Roman said. “Career and Professional Success will talk with students who wish to apply to student jobs to help them write a great targeted resume and discuss important information to consider when applying online. After the online application, we recommend students stop into the organization they applied with to introduce themselves and ask to hand in a paper resume. This adds a personal touch.”
Roman mentioned that the amount of student applicants can create higher levels of competition. She highlighted the need for students to not skip out on the required and optional information in their application package which includes attaching a resume, class schedule and work availability for the employer.
Making sure that the resume is not out of date, especially with Ferris degree and graduation information, is critical and students should make sure that everything is spelled correctly before submission also helps according to Roman.
Students can also utilize campus services, network with faculty and staff and most importantly, maintain a positive attitude and telling others of their work situation so that they are aware of opportunities and can refer you to a hiring manager.
CLACS is a resource all students can use and is located in Room 120 at the David L. Eisler Center.
The Human Resources Department for Student Employment was not available for comment at the time of this article.