As the semester nears its end, graduating seniors are preparing to close one chapter of their lives and begin another. Stepping into the workforce is a major part of that next stage, and the transition from student to professional can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety.
“I’m a nursing major, and I think I’m most scared about finding a job,” said Alexis Breneman, a senior. “I’ve been in school my whole life, so I’m nervous about transitioning into a professional setting and not having to go to classes anymore.”
University of North Georgia’s Career Services office aims to help students ease that anxiety by providing resources for career planning, resumé writing and interview preparation. However, Diane Farrell, director of Career Services, says many students only discover the department late in their college journey. “They should be coming from the very beginning, really,” she said. “There’s a lot we can do to make sure they’re on track and doing things each semester that help them become prepared. Some professors are great about helping students, but others may not have industry connections, so coming to see us early helps them know everything they should be doing.”
She says one of the most common requests Career Services receives is help with resumés. “Sometimes students don’t understand how to translate what they’ve done in their classes or outside activities into professional language,” Farrell said. “It’s really about how to market yourself to an employer and show the value you can bring. Students may have a resumé but aren’t getting responses, so we can review it, teach them how to write it, and make sure it’s ready before they start applying.”
“Students should practice interviewing because it’s not your ordinary conversation,” Farrell said. “It’s about more than just answering questions, it’s body posture, eye contact, nonverbal communication, how to dress, even how to prepare for a virtual interview. We can help with all of that.”
Career Services also continues to assist UNG alumni after graduation. “We serve alumni too, which is one of the few services you can still use after leaving UNG,” Farrell said. “Sometimes they realize the job they found isn’t the right fit, or they want to explore a different path. We help them brainstorm new ideas, retake assessments and connect with professionals in the fields they’re interested in.”
Farrell emphasized that early preparation is key to success. “Being prepared is the best defense,” she said. “Know how to write a strong resumé, not just one, because you need to tailor it to each job and learn how to interview well. Start looking early, especially if you’re graduating soon. There will always be more opportunities, but the earlier you start, the better.”
