Unlike gas prices in recent times, tuition cost and other college expenses are not getting any lower and students are beginning to feel the effects of our recent economic downturn. John Merrow of PBS’s News Hour reports that “the national student debt now tops $550 billion. That’s just what’s owed to the government. Nobody knows how much
students owe private lenders.”

Now, more than ever, students are relying on loans and financial aid, and are hoping to graduate in the scheduled 4 or 5 years without unnecessary additional loans to pay.  The downturn has also forced students to look for more ways with which to generate income, be it to cover textbook expenses, or to start a savings plan. According to Merrow, “Half of all full-time college students work, with about 10 percent working more than 35 hours per week”. Making things even worse, students looking for work are having a harder time finding jobs in our recent cash strapped economy. Competition for already scarce seasonal jobs has risen as many students search for part-time employment during the semester and holidays.

Nonetheless, if you are one of many students who did not get that winter break job and still have no guarantee for one this summer, there is still more you can do. Utilize the career resources available at the Career Services Center. These resources can help you perform searches for jobs, internships, Co-op and volunteer opportunities. Although volunteer work does not pay, volunteering will help you get your foot into the door of an organization you might want to work for in the future.

Students are encouraged to use the UMBCWorks search engine to search for opportunities from on-campus employment to full-time employment after graduation. Presently, the services provided through UMBCWorks are advertised across campus, so that students are encouraged to utilize these invaluable resources. The UMBCWorks database also provides tools, tips, and ideas which aid students in writing impressive resumes and cover letters. More resources relating to job, intern and Co-op searches can be accessed on the Career Services homepage, careers.umbc.edu.

In addition, look out for career updates in the new “Passion to Profession” column in the News section of the Retriever Weekly starting in spring 2009. The section will keep you up to date concerning recruitment events and opportunities, information sessions held by employers visiting the campus, and much more!

For questions or comments, contact nyko1@umbc.edu

Posted on behalf of Nyonsuatee Kollue.