Freshmen are advised to plan now for the job hunt

Kesha Williams
September 04, 2012

The Elizabeth City State University Department of General Studies and the Division of Student Affairs welcomed Angela Ray, an award-winning speaker, actress and author, to the campus on August 28. Ray is the author of a book of poetry, &quotBlackberry Whispers,&quot and the forthcoming books, &quotRehearsing for the Leading Role: Secrets to Successful Leadership for College Students&quot and &quotCrossing the Sands of Sisterhood.&quot Last week, she greeted ECSU freshmen with a motivational session urging them to maximize their opportunities in college. Ray informed them it’s not too early to think about their job hunt after college. Ray encouraged the students to join college organizations that are related to their major — organizations in which they can develop skills relevant their chosen careers. She also encouraged them to be mindful of key skills employers are seeking. &quotEmployers are looking for applicants who not only have a degree, but those who have communication skills, problem-solving skills, leadership skills. Do you know how to work in groups? That is important in many of today’s jobs,&quot Ray advised. &quotYou should secure internships while in college. The experience you gain on internships and the contacts you make may well lead you to an interview with that company after you graduate.&quot Ray graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to her public speaking, she has appeared on television shows &quotOne Tree Hill&quot and &quotDawson’s Creek,&quot and in the film &quotLouis,&quot about musician Louie Armstrong, in which she played the role of Armstrong’s mother. Derrick L. Wilkins, chairperson of the Department of General Studies, was confident that freshmen departed more informed than when they entered the auditorium. &quotMs. Ray gave a timely presentation. She gave them practical insight on the steps freshmen should take in order to be competitive in the future,&quot Wilkins. &quotOur ultimate goal is to prepare freshmen to begin thinking about their careers. It’s too late when you are a senior at the university to ask yourself if you selected the right academic track and extracurricular activities for a chosen career. Those decisions should be made at the freshman year.&quot Faculty within the Department of General Studies advise students during their first two years and prepare them for admission to a degree-granting program. The department also coordinates various support services which help students to enhance their skills, become academically successful and clarify their personal and career goals.