|
|||
|
HOME | NEWS | FEATURES | A&E | OPINION | SPORTS | CLASSIFIEDS | WEATHER |
|||
|
Features Mercyhurst students prepare for the work force
By Carla Hart Staff writer After completing four years of college and obtaining a degree, many Mercyhurst College students will enter the work place. The question on many minds is simply, “Are they equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to feel successful?” Based on the report of U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spelling’s Commission regarding the Future of Higher Education, “Many students who do earn degrees have not actually mastered the reading, writing and thinking skills we expect of college graduates. Over the past decade, literacy among graduates has actually declined.” Making higher education more accessible, affordable and accountable is proposed. While accountability is critical, education professor Dr. Phillip Belfiore said he does not think standardization is the answer. “This takes education out of the hands of the college,” Belfiore said. “Students should graduate with reading and writing skills.” He agrees with the commission on the importance of that assessment. “Each department must have some method to assess if each graduate has mastered the knowledge and action necessary to compete and win in the marketplace,” Belfiore said. Mercyhurst alumnus Jeffrey Cagle graduated in 2007 and now works for the PENNCREST School District out of Saegertown, Pa. He is also an Americorps Vista volunteer, serving the community. Cagle said that in the end college can only do so much. “We as alumni must take responsibility for our actions and blame only ourselves if we come out of college feeling we are not mature enough to handle the work force,” Cagle said. Mercyhurst junior Nadine Zinram feels confident to enter the work place. After her freshman year, she obtained an internship for a TV production company during the Soccer World Cup 2006 in Germany, her homeland. Overall, she has six years of experience in production. “TV is a very fast paced medium,” said Zinram. “You don’t have time to think of what you learned, you have to know it.” She urges students to work with the equipment in the communication department as soon as possible before entering the workforce. Zinram said many other students will be struggling once they find out what the communication field is all about. “Many people who have already graduated told me that it was like a punch in the face when they started working out there and they had to realize that college pretty much keeps you in this protected bubble,” Zinram explained. Frank Rizzone, associate director in the Office of Career Services, highly encourages students to obtain internships. “Your resume floats to the top of the pile when you’ve gone out, paid your dues and got your feet wet,” Rizzone said. “Even if you’re not receiving credit for it, get the experience.” Internships help evaluate interest and direct or re-direct a student’s decision regarding coursework and career goals. “The picture comes in clearer focus,” Rizzone said. “Doors are also opened, resulting in positions approximately 40 percent of the time.” Senior communication major Jeffrey Stoll is confident that the door he walks through will be the right one. Although Stoll said he does not feel as skilled as he thinks he should be, he is optimistic about entering the work place. “I feel I am a good worker and will be fine wherever I end up,” said Stoll. “No matter where you work they are going to teach you their way anyways.” Junior Grig Grigorich agrees with Stoll’s positive attitude and perception of the work environment. Grigorich believes in knowledge and education, but said self-educating is more important. “The degree guarantees nothing, absolutely nothing, from my stand point,” said Grigorich. “It is simple disciplines that you practice every day that bring you success and knowledge of many skills, not just one.” Grigorich said there is no fixed definition of success; the meaning individual from person to person. “For some it is financial independence,” he said. “For others, ability to help others, and for some, life in nature.” As Grigorich appropriately quotes from well known business philosopher Jim Rohn, “success is not something that you achieve, it is something you attract by the person you become.”
|
What's inside Find the destinations Mercyhurst College Police and Safety responded to over the past week.
Check out this week's front page.
The events - in pictures - that occurred on the Mercyhurst College campus over the past week.
Blog with your favorite Merciad columnist.
The Merciad is always interested in feedback. Please submit all feedback to editormerciad.
Want to tell us what's on your mind? See news happening? Contact a reporter, columnist, or editor.
|
||
 |
|||