by Casey Kirk

Created on: February 04, 2009   Last Updated: February 17, 2009

Years ago, going from turning in homework assignments to sitting in on corporate meetings was a fast and relatively seamless process. Having a diploma almost guaranteed a successful career and a steady paycheck. Unfortunately, today's students aren't quite so lucky. As enrollment numbers rise in higher-education institutions, so does the competition level for snagging a job after graduation. To make things more complicated, the shaky economy is forcing cutbacks of more jobs everyday.

While a degree undoubtedly puts job candidates ahead of their less-educated counterparts, it no longer guarantees a job. Rather, employers now expect potential employees to come into the hiring process with not just a diploma but experience obtained in their schooling years. In fact, many employers wont even glance at an applicant's resume unless they have a year or more of relevant work experience.

So the question remains: how are students to go about attaining the experience needed? The answer is to specialize. It is important to fine-tune skills in a specific major and tap into the many resources available to students before they dive into the job pool.

On the positive side, schooling systems seem to be recognizing the importance of job-readiness more than ever before. Many schools host career and networking fairs, providing students with a chance to make important contacts and talk to professionals in the community they plan on working in. Helping students develop and maintain these relationships is central in assisting their transition from school to work.

In addition, most universities offer career services as a part of students' tuition fees. These services help guide students towards job opportunities during or post-graduation. Perhaps even more important, students can be given the key to unlocking career success; internships opportunities.

One of the most valuable experiences a student can take away from his or her educational career is an internship in the field that he/she plans on working in. While well-rounded students with multiple skills are appreciated, becoming a master in one field is the best way to rise above the rest on your resume.

Internships place students in a real working environment and provide hands-on experience while also showing future employers that they are serious about obtaining knowledge in the field. Plus, unpaid internships frequently lead to future, paid positions and can provide great networking opportunities.

While the job market is unsteady, it is not impossible for students to land their dream job right out of school. Making the most of the tools given to them will ease the challenges they face.

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