What makes you different from the student sitting next to you in class? When it comes to jobs searches, it’s imperative that you’re able to convey your strengths and weaknesses to an interviewer effectively.

You may think you’re in this alone, but Oakland University has provided great resources to its students. Career Services is aimed at the transition from campus to the workforce. Career Services and Beta Alpha Psi (an on-campus honorary academic organization focused on accounting, finance and MIS) are co-sponsoring an event to highlight some techniques for getting the competitive edge. “Job Search Strategies for Tough Times” will be held Thursday, March 12 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Oakland Room of the Oakland Center and will have presentations on techniques for finding jobs in our current economic state.

Participation in such events can help students surpass and differentiate themselves from their classmates. For students just starting out, you may not think that this pertains to you yet, but the sooner you can differentiate yourself from the rest, the greater your competitive advantage will be.

One of the simplest ways to do this is through volunteer work. Employers love to see

applicants who give back to the community. Not only do you gain valuable knowledge in a field that may not be related to your major, but it shows that you are mindful about helping the community. Consider a student with a major in marketing but who likes to work with animals. Volunteering at an animal shelter tells a future employer, possibly a veterinary clinic, that you have compassion and would be better at marketing their business than someone without your experiences.

Another more involved way to promote yourself to prospective employers is to demonstrate leadership skills. On campus, organizations offer endless opportunities to become involved. By managing a group of people in support of a common goal, you can gain perspective on what it takes to coordinate an event or meet an objective. It also builds confidence and the ability to make decisions; traits that employers love to see.

We hope to see you March 12.

— Mike Paye and Samantha Snell

    Beta Alpha Psi members