Spring Break
Editorial: 'Real world' not so far away
Issue date: 9/18/08 Section: Editorial/Opinion
09/18/08 - There are dozens of resources available to students at the University of Rhode Island who are experiencing all different types of issues, whether they be academic or personal. But perhaps one of the most underused resources on campus is URI Career Services.
It's hard to walk down Upper College Road without hearing phrases like, "I need a job," or, "God, I don't know what I'm going to do with my life." And for graduating seniors, those statements will become all the more serious this year.
But Career Services can take care of both kinds of students - those looking for on-campus jobs, and others looking for life-long careers. It exists to assist in networking opportunities and to help lost students find majors they are passionate about.
And the best part is - you don't even have to step outside of your dorm room. The Career Services Web site offers online handouts that explain things like how to write cover letters, how to sharpen your interview skills and how to create a carefully designed resume that will show up your competitors!
They can also help you make a four-year plan, set yourself up for graduate school or find alumni career mentors.
RhodyNet is also part of Career Services. Students would be surprised to find that RhodyNet on the Career Services Web site is one of the best places to find jobs and internships on this campus - and one of the easiest. The URI community has full access to on-campus, part-time, summer and full-time employment through the site.
The Office of Internships and Experiential Education, which appeared at the Career Services' Welcome Day yesterday, is also a great place to get started with experiential learning. Office coordinators can help you find internships and other forms of experiential learning that pertain to your major.
Students shouldn't wait for everything to fall into place. In these financial times, everybody needs a Plan A and Plan B. It's easy as a freshman, sophomore, or even a junior, to say, "The 'real world' is years away." But that world seeps in only too fast for most.
So take the time, surf the Web a little and maybe you'll stumble across something that helps you transition to your true path. Don't be afraid to take risks, and don't be afraid to voice your doubts. This is what higher education is for.
The Career Resource Center is located in room 223 in Roosevelt Hall. It's open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It's hard to walk down Upper College Road without hearing phrases like, "I need a job," or, "God, I don't know what I'm going to do with my life." And for graduating seniors, those statements will become all the more serious this year.
But Career Services can take care of both kinds of students - those looking for on-campus jobs, and others looking for life-long careers. It exists to assist in networking opportunities and to help lost students find majors they are passionate about.
And the best part is - you don't even have to step outside of your dorm room. The Career Services Web site offers online handouts that explain things like how to write cover letters, how to sharpen your interview skills and how to create a carefully designed resume that will show up your competitors!
They can also help you make a four-year plan, set yourself up for graduate school or find alumni career mentors.
RhodyNet is also part of Career Services. Students would be surprised to find that RhodyNet on the Career Services Web site is one of the best places to find jobs and internships on this campus - and one of the easiest. The URI community has full access to on-campus, part-time, summer and full-time employment through the site.
The Office of Internships and Experiential Education, which appeared at the Career Services' Welcome Day yesterday, is also a great place to get started with experiential learning. Office coordinators can help you find internships and other forms of experiential learning that pertain to your major.
Students shouldn't wait for everything to fall into place. In these financial times, everybody needs a Plan A and Plan B. It's easy as a freshman, sophomore, or even a junior, to say, "The 'real world' is years away." But that world seeps in only too fast for most.
So take the time, surf the Web a little and maybe you'll stumble across something that helps you transition to your true path. Don't be afraid to take risks, and don't be afraid to voice your doubts. This is what higher education is for.
The Career Resource Center is located in room 223 in Roosevelt Hall. It's open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
