The first post-graduate job for senior Brian Fernandez came after several grueling interviews, but he said it would not have been possible without one factor - connections.
"Applying to college is a fair process," said Fernandez, who will soon start a job at Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, a global public relations agency. "But here, if you don't network, you don't have a chance."
Fernandez, a graduating senior majoring in marketing, secured a job at Ogilvy through a GW alumnus who works at the company as well as through several rounds of interviews. Ogilvy represents companies such as IBM, Mattel and Coca-Cola. Fernandez will serve as a first-year associate and will rotate through the company's various departments to gain experience.
Many students said they use the GW Career Center in the quest for their first job out of college. Career Center Executive Director Marva Gumbs Jennings said the job market is strong this year. The National Association of Colleges and Employers reported in mid-April that employers plan to hire almost 20 percent more college graduates this year than they did last year.
Fernandez said the Career Center was not useful for him because it does not invite many marketing or advertising companies to recruit students on campus.
While Fernandez landed a job without help from the Career Center, a Career Center survey of graduates from past years found that 69 percent of graduating students use their services.
"We're open year-round to work with students," Gumbs Jennings said.
Available services include a job search "boot camp" at the end of April, hosting interviews for students, one-on-one advising, a career resources room and a new program called "Find the Right Experience and Employment." The program offers outlines organized by year that suggest what strategies students should turn to at what times in order to achieve their career goals.
Having contacts or utilizing the Career Center does not guarantee a student will secure a job before May. Senior David Boxer, an International Affairs major, has been using both techniques in his job search but has not seen much success.
"Applying to college is a fair process," said Fernandez, who will soon start a job at Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, a global public relations agency. "But here, if you don't network, you don't have a chance."
Fernandez, a graduating senior majoring in marketing, secured a job at Ogilvy through a GW alumnus who works at the company as well as through several rounds of interviews. Ogilvy represents companies such as IBM, Mattel and Coca-Cola. Fernandez will serve as a first-year associate and will rotate through the company's various departments to gain experience.
Many students said they use the GW Career Center in the quest for their first job out of college. Career Center Executive Director Marva Gumbs Jennings said the job market is strong this year. The National Association of Colleges and Employers reported in mid-April that employers plan to hire almost 20 percent more college graduates this year than they did last year.
Fernandez said the Career Center was not useful for him because it does not invite many marketing or advertising companies to recruit students on campus.
While Fernandez landed a job without help from the Career Center, a Career Center survey of graduates from past years found that 69 percent of graduating students use their services.
"We're open year-round to work with students," Gumbs Jennings said.
Available services include a job search "boot camp" at the end of April, hosting interviews for students, one-on-one advising, a career resources room and a new program called "Find the Right Experience and Employment." The program offers outlines organized by year that suggest what strategies students should turn to at what times in order to achieve their career goals.
Having contacts or utilizing the Career Center does not guarantee a student will secure a job before May. Senior David Boxer, an International Affairs major, has been using both techniques in his job search but has not seen much success.
