News Release

CENTER NEWS RELEASE / April 22, 2009

Job Search Boot Camp for Boise State Students, New Grads and Alumni May 28

In an effort to help the Bronco community navigate the turbulent job market with a competitive edge, Boise State University’s Career Center is hosting its first-ever Job Search Boot Camp for students and alumni from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28.

Career Center director Debbie Kaylor said the number of students and alums taking advantage of the center’s services surged between fall 2007 and fall 2008, with a 40 percent increase in career counseling appointments, a 30 percent increase in job search appointments and a 90 percent increase in alumni appointments. Meanwhile, job postings in the center’s database are down from 2,000 to 1,500, though Kaylor said the situation is not as dire as it might seem.

“It is one of the most challenging times we have seen in decades, but it isn’t impossible,” she said. “Employers are hiring; they are just being more selective and targeted in their search for employees, so job seekers need to take advantage of all resources and recognize that it’s going to take time.”

The Job Search Boot Camp will be a unique and significant resource. The one-day conference will feature breakout sessions team-taught by Career Center representatives and employers on a variety of topics, including resumes, interviewing, networking, transitioning from college to career and jobs in government and public service sectors. The opening address by Mark Rivers, CEO of Boise-based Brix and Company, will cover the local economy. Keynote speaker Dr. Phil Gardner, director of the Collegiate Employment Research Institute at Michigan State University, will address the national job market, and the day will end with an employer panel and a networking reception.

“This is not a career fair. This is an opportunity to learn and practice valuable skills that will help make Boise State graduates more competitive in their job searches,” Kaylor said, adding that the Career Center is offering two condensed job search workshops (April 25 and May 6) and has initiated a LinkedIn group (Boise State University Career Center) for networking and a “Broncos Helping Broncos” program where alumni can offer advice, expertise and connections to job seekers. “We believe in the power of the Bronco family and want Boise State graduates in the job market to know they are not alone in their search.”

The Job Search Boot Camp is open to Boise State juniors, seniors and alumni. The cost is $5 for those who graduated in fall 2008 or who will graduate in spring and summer 2009 and $10 for all other alumni. Seating is limited, but an RSVP e-mailed to career@boisestate.edu will hold a space until April 30, when all unpaid reservations will be released for others to purchase. Tickets can be purchased at the Career Center, located inside the Alumni Center at 1173 University Drive. For a tentative schedule of events, visit http://career.boisestate.edu/ups.htm. For more information, contact the Career Center at (208) 426-1747.

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Media Contact: Erin Ryan, University Communications, (208) 426-4910, erinryan@boisestate.edu

Boise State University is “The New U Rising” with record student enrollment, new academic buildings, additional degree programs and a growing research agenda. Learn more at www.boisestate.edu. 

 

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Last reviewed on Wednesday, April 22, 2009