The job market is fairly unstable, and, understandably so, college students are worried about their ability to find work. However, there are a variety of ways that students can better prepare themselves for life after graduation. Effectively managing your debt, joining various clubs and campus organizations, and developing interpersonal skills that potential employers value will give you a leg up on the competition.
Perhaps the most direct way to get advice about how to make yourself employable is by seeking out mentors who can provide guidance from first-hand experience.
The interview
I had the chance to interview Professor Michael Olexa, Director of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Center for Agricultural and Natural Resource Law, regarding his post-graduate experience and any advice he would give to current students.
How well do you think your time at UF prepared you for law school and eventually the real world?
“I received my Ph.D. degree in Plant Pathology with minors in Mycology and Entomology. I was prepared for field science following completion of the degree from UF. As for law school preparation for the real world, I began running my father’s gas station and garage at the age of 16 in West Virginia. I worked my way through high school and college at West Virginia University. My graduation gift from college was the Vietnam War. By the time I entered law school, I was more than prepared for the real world because of my life experiences.”
Did you graduate with debt? If so, how did you manage it?
“Yes from law school, but not from graduate school. I managed it through sacrifice and budget. Of note: I am appalled at what the federal government has done to today’s students. The feds have created a massive debt situation by providing lots of cheap money. The administrators of our colleges and universities aren’t fools. They learned early on how to capture those monies. It’s a shame what has been done to today’s students – a damn shame. Probably more info than what you wanted.”
Did you participate in any clubs or organizations while you were here that helped prepare you for life after graduation?
“No, but community volunteer work.”
What are some tips you would give to current students that are either just beginning their college careers or just about to graduate?
“One: Manage your money. Borrow only what you need. While in college, learn all you can about investing following graduation. I suggest a Roth IRA in a good index fund by Vanguard or Fidelity. Purchase a book called The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton. An excellent informative book written for a lay audience on investing.
Two: Live frugally. You’ll need to once you graduate to pay back loans.
Three: Careful with social sites. If you post something on Facebook that’s really stupid, it will come back to haunt you as employers follow these sites.
Four: Choose a career that you love and one not for the money. The saddest thing in the world is having job that you don’t enjoy.
Five: Believe in yourself. You are only a victim if you believe you are. Chart your own course, tweak it occasionally as nothing is static in life. Continue on.
Six: Volunteer for community service: It’s extremely rewarding.”
Our take
There are plenty of additional resources that students can take advantage of if they are seeking advice regarding life after graduation. For example, all students have access to the UF alumni Facebook page, which they can use to get in touch with past years’ students. There are also plenty of staff members on campus that would be more than happy to talk to students about what they can do to prepare themselves for the real world.
Professor Olexa’s advice is something we can all adhere to and benefit from. There are some harsh realities we face upon graduation, but if we approach them with prudence there’s no reason they should deter us from success.
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