ADA, Ohio (WLIO) - "I feel like I'm not going to get the job I want, but I feel like there are plenty of jobs, just maybe not necessarily exactly what I'm looking for," says Abigail Hadding, Music Education major at Ohio Northern University.
For many college seniors, graduation brings excitement about the future, but it can also bring uncertainty about what comes next. Students at Ohio Northern University say one of their biggest concerns is finding a job that actually matches the career they've been preparing for. After years of classes and preparation, some worry the job market may not have the exact opportunity they're hoping for right away.
Career advisors say those fears are common among soon-to-be graduates but also mention how they're working to help students keep their expectations realistic while still pursuing their long term goals.
One way ONU offers opportunities is through their career fairs held throughout each term. This gives upper classmen the chance to meet with potential employers, as well as alumni polar bears interested in expanding their businesses.
"We always pride ourselves in the polar bears helping the polar bears. So we have probably in between 80, 90 alumni that'll come back and visit us during our career fairs, and that is crucial in getting them to know not only the companies that are interested in Ohio Northern University students, but also the alumni that would be interested in hiring them," says Andrea Domachowski, Director of Career Services at Ohio Northern University.
Finding the first job is tough, and might not be the ideal career for graduates, but having that first step is just as important for their long-term career path.
"It's going to be rough for a little while until they get on a sure footing, and perhaps they'll have to take a job that's not quite perfect for them, but lead them to the next phase," says Dr. Sarah Waters, Professor of Music at Ohio Northern University.
Staff at ONU know that their students will eventually land the job they want, but sometimes it just takes a little time and experience to get there.
