Cesar Rivera’s Post

It's Summer, and Career is in the Air Congratulations, NIU! You finished another semester that put your skills and talents to the test. Everyone at NIU Career Services is in awe of all that you accomplished. And congratulations especially go out to our newly minted alumni! 🎓 Your persistence and hard work have paid off. We are so proud of the Class of '24! So, what do you do now? Well, now, take the time that you need to take care of you. Celebrate your accomplishments, reconnect with friends and family, and recuperate from the long semester. And once you're done with that, it's time to take advantage of the summer and get ahead in your career. Summer is often a great time to focus on you and your career development. Here's some suggestions: * Are you an NIU student, alum or employee? Join the NIU Career Services LinkedIn group: https://lnkd.in/gtGbQe4p * Reflect on all you accomplished in spring '24 and update your resume and LinkedIn page. * Learn about career options related to your major by visiting https://lnkd.in/gruUHRyD and https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ * Reach out to someone who is in your target career and arrange an informational interview (you ask them questions about what the career is really like) or a job shadow. * Find an organization you'd like to work for and ask about internship opportunities - for this summer or future semesters. * Take advantage of our online resources: https://lnkd.in/g3-tWvKv * Schedule an appointment (in person or online) with Career Services to have your resume reviewed, polish your interview skills, discuss your career goals, or plan your internship or job search: https://lnkd.in/gbDJ2C6f. Now's the time to make the most of the summer session!! Go Huskies!!! Brian

Good news! College is worth it! *** National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE's) 2024 Student Survey sponsored by Indeed (May 2024; 20,482 surveyed) revealed that nearly 90% of the Class of 2024 felt their college experience prepared them for their careers. This positive trend is likely fueled by the growing value placed on experiential learning. 86% of grads participated in internships, co-ops, or other hands-on experiences, with internships being the most popular (hat tip to Wendy Wegner at the Washington State University - Edward R. Murrow College of Communication Murrow College Career Ready program). These experiences provided not only valuable skills but also a strong foundation for career paths, with 64% of students likely to accept full-time positions with their experiential learning employers. More kudos for Wendy and team -- career centers are a force! The study showed that close to 60% of graduating students utilized these resources for resume help, job search assistance, and internship/co-op guidance. As a leader in bridging higher education and career preparation, NACE's survey clearly shows that the college experience, combined with hands-on opportunities and career support, is laying the groundwork for a successful future. Learn more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gGAajG_2 ⭐️𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 - be sure to follow the Murrow College Career Ready Group here on LinkedIn - https://lnkd.in/gkNxEBD5 #collegeisworthit #experientiallearning #careerready #CollegeWorthIt #ExperientialLearning #CareerReady

Why are we failing to prepare our students for their future? Data shows that over half of college graduates are considered "underemployed." This means that college graduates are more likely to be working in a job or career that does not require their level of education. Why is that? Some would say that we have too many students going to college. That's not the issue, although the cost for college has made the decision more questionable. Others would say that people are majoring in fields that are less relevant. That could be true. In reality, those who go to college and work or participate in internships within their field are much more likely to be healthily employed in their industry once the graduate. What should K-12 schools do? In short, aiming for all students to graduate and attend college is an admirable goal. However, not every child wants to be an academic. And many who do lack the social skills and real-life work ethic to make them ready for the real world. Ultimately, it is up to parents to help their children to mature and grow. But schools can help a lot too. Here's what I have found that works: 1. Have career or job fair days for your students, whether you are 5 or 18, this can be a lot of fun 2. Partner with local businesses for summer internships, especially for HS students 3. Invest in developing the whole child, this includes SEL, civics, and executive functioning learning 4. Understand our limitations, we can only do so much, but we can provide exposure to the real world by having projects, team work, and oral assessments to beyond just paper tests and writing 5. Provide trade and skill development, even from an early age Be creative, look at what others are doing, and really invest in your students. After all, only a small percentage will actually go off to college, graduate, and work in a field and career that is appropriate for their level of education. Article link: https://lnkd.in/eUgNkWjn

Figuring out what to do after high school can feel overwhelming, but it's important to explore your interests, strengths, and goals. Consider talking to career counselors, researching different career paths, doing internships or job shadowing, and exploring educational options like college, trade schools, or vocational programs. Reflect on what brings you joy and fulfillment, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from mentors or trusted adults. It's okay to take your time and explore different paths before making a decision.

Happy Wednesday! I want to enccourage any new graduates or new professionals as we enter the fall season now that summer is slowly making her exit. For the ones doubting and questioning their purpose. In this photo, I was 19 years old working two jobs at Freedom School Partners from 7 am to 3:30pm and Jeni's Icecreams from 5pm to 1am. Some days even more totaling to 14-16 hour days. I knew that I wanted to be a Service Leader Intern but needed to also bring in more income to save for my junior year of college. I began working at 14 and I have probably had over 20+ jobs in the last decade. Each job felt like a punishment for not being "good enough" to have the flashy internships or the high-earning jobs I saw my peers secure after graduation. From bussing tables to folding clothes to cleaning toilets. I began to feel discouraged. The lesson I've learned so vividly is that no job is unimportant to your overall journey. No matter if I was scooping icecream or managing students. Each job gave me a skill, a lesson, or a friend that has been invaulable to the development of my character, career, and my life. If you're not where you want to be now, that is not an excuse to not soak up the lessons right where you are. Take all that you can in because you never know where those lessons may take you in life. Your current circumstances are not definers of your life but only a chapter in your story. It's up to you whether the contents are fufilling or harrowing. Decide to maximize your now. Have an amazing Wednesday and make today a good one!

"As a student, I believe colleges should be more than just about grades. 📚 They should be hubs of support for our passions and career aspirations. It's time for institutions to offer more than just academic guidance—let's prioritize career counseling, internships, and mentorship programs that help us explore our interests and pave the way for our future success. Together, let's advocate for a holistic approach to education that empowers students to thrive both academically and professionally. #StudentVoice #PassionDrivenEducation #FutureSuccess"

Thanks to Owens Corning's CEO Brian Chambers and his team for their continued investment in our communities and for inviting me to participate in our future leader's career journey as a keynote speaker on Friday. Their collaboration with the Toledo Public Schools Foundation through the Dream Bigger series creates opportunities for students to start their career journey early. During the program, Owens Corning employees help to prepare high school students for college and the next phase of their lives. The Dream Bigger series provides tools for life and career skills, such as resume building and interview preparation, and offers high school internships to students through this program. Individuals' journey starts when they decide on a career(s) and take the first step in navigating the process. It begins before most people even realize it and continues throughout life. A career journey is a dynamic process with many paths, and if adequately navigated, it assists you in identifying your purpose that aligns with your passion. Studies show that programs such as Dream Bigger assist in setting students' minds and efforts on career goals at an early age. This concept helps them achieve their goals sooner and pivot to other essential things in life, such as secondary careers, that they may discover later.

What are the three phases of the Avenue Scholars Program?  Phase 1: High School Phase 2: Career Training Phase 3: Career Entry Discover more about the Avenue Scholars program and Scholar success stories online ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gv_waZcy #AvenueScholars #PaidInternships #CareerExperience #PersonalizedSupport

I recently booked a flight to attend my oldest daughter’s graduation at UC Santa Barbara and talked with her about her next steps, a question that every college senior gets very tired of hearing by springtime. I was reminded of a common hurdle that faces many college students: Getting internships is valuable, but many students will finish college in the next couple of months without having any significant professional experience to speak of. This creates more pressure on graduating seniors who are already under stress, having college loans to juggle and competing for a limited number of entry level positions. This is not to say that many college students don’t do a great job finding meaningful work experience. And unlike in my day, many of these opportunities actually pay - in some cases quite well. But far too many college students lack the easy professional contacts that benefit upper middle class families; I’ve lost track of the number of adults who tell me they helped ‘steer’ their college seniors into an internship. Moreover, many students are so concerned about the cost of college that they can’t focus on internships and instead try to find themselves the most hours or shifts possible, so they can cover the rising costs of tuition. What I would like to suggest here is that those of us in position to help create internship opportunities do so and maybe take it a step further. See if there is a way you can bring a smart and motivated recently graduated college senior into your workplace. At KGL Communications our firm recently hired a new graduate from American University, and she’s already showing great promise. This spring, give someone fresh out of college a chance, the way someone gave you a chance many years ago.

🎃 It might be spooky season, but your future doesn’t have to be scary! Youth and young adults can prepare for college and career readiness through UNITE-LA’s Programs newsletter. Download our resource guide, learn about programs to develop important skills needed to succeed in jobs/internships and get a head start on spring programs today: https://bit.ly/3zVX5TU