Recent College Grads Entering Good Job Market

Days after graduation, and for some Tennessee Tech students the search is on for a job.

Tennessee’s Tech’s Director of the Center for Career Development Russ Coughenour said that the keys to success are networking and scouring the job board.

“I think you still have to pay attention and construct a quality resume and practice interviewing but it’s a very good market right now,” Coughenour said. “So I think people who want to be employed all they have to do is jump in and get active, and they’ll find it a good market.”

Coughenour said that some students will try to enter the job force thinking that simply having a bachelor’s degree is enough. He said that it’s important to strategize and make yourself the most marketable possible.

Coughenour said that the Center for Career Development can help with all of the skills necessary to land a job. He said that they can help connect Tech students and alumni with leads, practice those interview skills, and edit those resumes.

“What employers know us for is that students that’s looking for a co-op or that student that’s looking for an internship or that student that is getting ready to graduate and is going to segway into the market,” Coughenour said. “That’s kind of what we’re known for. We’re known for providing entry-level talent to corporate, government, and non-profit America. But you could be 35-years-old and for whatever reason, you’re wanting to re-tool or you’re wanting to start a job search, we’ll help those folks as well.”‘

Coughenour said that they have several job fairs and programs throughout the school year to provide resources to students, especially seniors, that will aid in finding a job by the time they graduate. He said that they utilize the program Handshake, which is similar to ZipRecruiter but specifically for students.