By Lydia Gober
Special Contributor

“Professionalism” refers to the personal characteristics, behaviors, communication (interviewing/resume), appearance, and, yes, manners.

Of employers in the survey, 30 percent said the most common mistakes made in the first interview (and at work) are behaviors such as being late and dressing inappropriately. The “bottom line” seems to be as Julie Goldthwait, vice president/general manager of MonsterTRAK, said.

“You’re not entitled to anything. You still have to work hard and brand yourself professionally.”

The job market is looking better for 2007 graduates, according to Peter Vogt in a recent, online article in the MonsterTRAK Career Coach. Vogt’s information from the 2007 Entry-Level Job Survey provides several interesting statistics based on more than 900 employers recently surveyed:
-- 76 percent (of employers) say they will hire new college graduates this spring or summer; 38 percent say they will hire more than last year.
-- The survey shows that employers “won’t be hiring just anyone who shows up with a resume and a pulse.” They will expect much more from their newly graduated candidates.
-- 30 percent said that work experience is the number one factor in hiring new college grads.
--A headline in the survey report reads “Experience is essential….as is professionalism.”

What a great triple benefit available to you at Collin College as you prepare to go into the work force or to your chosen university to complete the first steps in your career plan. Collin College offers:
1. Access to the best faculty providing the best academic foundations.
2. Opportunities for community service and extra-curricular activities that can build leadership skills and professionalism.
3. Access to work experience through the programs of the Career Services and Cooperative Work Experience department. Work experience may include an internship, a cooperative education course or on-campus or off-campus employment. Also, volunteerism offers valuable experience.

All of these options are available at Collin College with work experiences coming through Career Services & Co-op department.

Check out your Career Center at SCC, 972.881.5781; PRC, 972.335.1781; or CPC, 972.548.6764 for more information about work experience opportunities. Congratulations May graduates!