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Companies
looking for experienced teamworkers
By Julie Sparkuhl
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
Students for whom graduation is right around the corner, knowing where and how
to apply for jobs can be a daunting task. Yet students are unsure of where to
look, or where to apply or better yet, what companies are looking for.
Robin Lee, director of the Career Development Center at Cal State Long Beach,
knows what students are searching for and which companies need students.
“
Students continue to seek companies which offer the largest salary and the greatest
opportunity for advancement,” she said. “Several students now look
for companies which would encourage them to pursue higher degrees and offer tuition
reimbursement and a healthy benefit package.”
Each year companies receive a national survey asking employers what they are
looking for in college graduates, Lee said.
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According to last year’s survey, the No. 1 skill employers look for is
good communication skills,” she said.
The survey showed companies are looking for the ability to write and speak clearly.
Companies are also looking for good interpersonal and teamwork skills, and people
who are motivated and have a strong work ethic.
Lee points out a high GPA is good but companies cite this requirement at the
bottom of the list of qualifications. Companies are looking into involvement
in student organizations and student government to see how well applicants work
in teams. Companies such as Target Corp. look for people who can multi-task.
Tasha Clark, a college recruiter for Target Corp. said the company recruits for
two positions — executive intern and executive team leader.
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The executive intern works in all areas of the store — logistics, human
resources, assets protection, guest service, hard lines, soft lines and
perishables,” Clark said.
The executive team leader focuses on team member management, store leadership
and community service.
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The executive team leader is involved in recruiting and hiring, orientation and
training, and on the job support of your team,” Clark said.
Sherron Hawkins, a college relations manager for Enterprise Rent-a-Car Co. said
the company looks for entrepreneurial people who want to work, have experience
and are business-minded people.
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We want one year of customer service or sales experience that deals with the
public organization, is in activities at school and also a bachelor’s
degree — someone who sees themselves in management,” Hawkins said.
Studies have shown graduates have a hard time finding work; however, Lee said
despite this report, the rate at which CSULB students are finding jobs after
graduation is pretty good.
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The unemployment rate for college graduates with bachelor’s degrees or
higher is less than 3 percent across the country. The picture drawn for college
graduates is not at all the bleak outlook that the media has portrayed,” Lee
said.
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