Helping Recent Graduates Launch Their Careers

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many recent graduates are finding it difficult to find jobs that align with their skillset and degree. Thanks to the Office of Career and Internship Services' (CIS) new “LIM2020” program, this year’s graduates can continue to develop skills and connections for job searching in an unfamiliar industry climate.



Throughout the summer, meetings will be held via Zoom. “Monday Mindset” allows students to check in with career coaches and discuss their job search goals and plan for that week. Recruiters will also be invited to speak to the students about the recruiting process for specific companies and how it has changed since the pandemic. Attendees are allowed to ask questions and follow up with the recruiters to further their knowledge and develop connections.

On May 18, CIS hosted recruiters Ashley Delgado and Courtney Lindahl from Pyramid Consulting Group and Erica Yost and Sophie Miller from Solomon Page. They shed light on how recruitment works and what skills recruiters look for in entry-level applicants.

Ashley and Courtney noted that industries such as food beauty, e-commerce, and digital brands are now thriving and have open positions. Erica and Sophie suggested students and graduates spend their extra time taking free LinkedIn courses in areas such as Excel, Adobe, and social media. All four recruiters stressed the importance of being at least at an intermediate level in Excel and having knowledge of marketing and social media, all of which should be mentioned on resumes and LinkedIn profiles.

Wednesdays cover specific skills for job-searching, such as goal setting, LinkedIn, effective video interviews, e-portfolios, personal branding, and developing connections. Each week, participants will focus on one of these skills before meeting and learning from an industry guest speaker. CIS plans to have speakers who work in PR, sustainability, channel management, entertainment, merchandising, and more. These representatives will discuss what their companies look for in applicants, the various jobs available, and how their industry has changed since the pandemic.

The LIM2020 program will allow graduates to feel more prepared to search, apply, and interview for jobs successfully during these challenging economic times.