Issue date: 5/2/07 Section: Opinion

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You walk off campus with a diploma in hand and head full of whatever you've retained during your four or more years in college. I'm sure you've all heard the saying, "Graduating in four years is like leaving a party at 10:30 p.m." But it's time to face the facts. School is over and it's time to start concentrating on finding a real job. Not ready for it? Well too bad. No need to worry, this issue is about three weeks away so you still have some time.

From college campus to corporate climate, finding a job after college has to be one of the most stressful challenges a college graduate has to go through. What if you can't find a job in the field you just spent four years studying? Not to worry, with a college degree and experience, a job position is waiting for you to take charge.

What you do with your major is up to you. With careful strategic organization, you can develop career-related skills and experiences that can prepare you for almost any job or graduate school. According to Monster.com, many skills gained in college are transferable, meaning they fit a wide range of fields and careers no matter what your major is. Having experience and a snazzy resume is what is important when applying for a job.

The Career Center at Sacramento State offers an abundance of information for all students looking for a job or an internship. The Career Center lists a plethora of job postings in the Sacramento area and career websites to help find any type of job available.

"I've used the Career Center before," said graduate student Shannon McKinley. "The tools available there helped me focus on my major and also helped find my current career."

So, if you're stuck on what kind of job to look into, the Career Center is available to help sort out the options and find a career that's right for you.

There are many Internet websites that can help graduates by providing great career advice, job placements and even advice on how much money to negotiate when applying for their first job. Quintcareers.com, a website designed to help college students choose a major, post resumes and find a job, stated that a major in college is important for your first job after graduation. However, according to the website, studies show that most people will change majors about four or five times over the course of their college careers before coming to a concrete decision.

Having a career in natural science and a bachelor's in Origami is perfectly fine. Critical thinking, knowledge and skills are what are needed in order to be able to perform well in any job situation.

"I have no idea what I'm doing after I graduate," says psychology senior David White. "I've changed my major about three times since I've been at Sac State; let's just hope it stays where it's at right now."

Life after college sounds dreadful, but with the right direction, skills and focus one can avoid any tribulations and start the career you spent so much time concentrating on. It may be difficult at first or you can already have a job offer in hand, just know that a career is what you make it.

Rosa Pastran can be reached at opinion@statehornet.com

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