More, Better Jobs for College Graduates

I've been in the HR/staffing industries for over 12 years, I'm a High school graduate making over 70k a year. I think there are some major issues on both sides of this argument that are not being investigated. The majority of my college degreed employees make 2 dollars an hour more for their degrees because they are going into a more "technical position” though some of there un-degreed colleagues work into those same roles.

There’s a real failure to discuss the way these recent graduates present themselves. In dealing with newly graduated college students seeking jobs the degree of unprofessionalism is amazing. Voice mail messages such as: “Yo dog, leave a message” to vulgar songs with comments over the top. Resumes submitted with email addresses indicating sexual preferences and other things. If they do receive the job, it’s not uncommon for their parents to call me, if their child has an issue. I have interviewees coming in - with sleeve labels on their un-hemmed suits. I will choose a non-degreed professional individual over the majority of recent college grads I meet.

A degree is a great way to get your foot in the door, but if you are unable to present yourself in a professional manor it does you little good. All that money spent is for nothing. Schools really need to work with their students on personal presentation in addition to the basic education they receive.

Jay of NC 2:07PM April 01, 2012