By Diego Canales, education reporter
Students who are graduating college are marked with economic uncertainty and increasing competition within multiple career paths.
At Virginia Tech, students are navigating a competitive job market while trying to apply their experiences and skills into careers with purpose. The challenge is not lacking skills, but understanding how to apply those skills.
The work field has shifted into making hiring decisions more selective which starts questioning if students’ coursework, experiences, and involvement with the campus gets them the job they want. It has been widely known that students are not getting jobs lately in this economy.
Academic advisors play an important role in helping students find the right place to fit. In an interview with Chelsey Hancock, an academic advisor at Virginia Tech’s School of Communication, Hancock discussed the challenges students face and how her advising helps students’ better position themselves after college.
Her comments were edited for length and clarity.
What challenges do students face when preparing for careers during their college?
One of the biggest challenges I see is that students often feel unqualified for jobs they are interested in. Many students underestimate the skills they gain through their coursework.
For example, a student with a communication degree is a versatile degree, which means it can apply to many different career paths; however, this flexibility can also make it harder for students to see a clear direction.
I frequently remind students that writing, public speaking, teamwork, and critical thinking are valuable skills across industries, even if a job title does not explicitly mention “communication.” Still try to apply for that job even if it is not your strong suit, everything in the workforce relates to Communication.
How do advisors help students recognize their transferable skills?
Encouraging students to reflect on what they are already doing in their classes.
Presentations, group projects, research assignments, and written work all help students build professional communication skills. Even with the least experience the work done in coursework goes a long way for students.
Advisors work with students to identify these strengths and show them how to describe those skills in resumes, cover letters, and interviews. Understanding how classroom experiences translate to workplace expectations is a major part of advising students.
How has the economy changed the way advisors guide students?
The current economy has made the job search more competitive in many fields.
Instead of relying on a single job board, students are encouraged to research specific companies, attend career fairs, and explore multiple platforms.
I stress that in today’s market, opportunities often require persistence and proactive searching rather than waiting for postings to appear.
Why are communication skills important in the current economic job market?
Communication skills are essential in nearly every profession. Employers want to know that candidates can write professional emails, speak clearly, and collaborate with others.
Even in positions that do not involve public-facing communication, employees must still work with teammates and supervisors. I emphasize that strong communication skills are not optional—they are foundational to workplace success.
How should students approach job postings when they don’t meet every qualification?
I often tell students not to disqualify themselves too quickly. Job postings frequently describe an ideal candidate rather than a required one.
If a student lacks experience in one area, they should be honest about it while highlighting the skills they do have. I would recommend focusing on strengths, related experience, and a willingness to learn rather than fixating on missing qualifications.
What networking strategies do advisors recommend for students?
Networking begins with simply putting yourself out there. We encourage students to attend career fairs, networking events, and information sessions, even if they feel nervous.
Introducing yourself, asking questions, and engaging in conversation are all forms of networking. I also recommend meeting with career professionals on campus who can help students prepare for these interactions.
How should students handle career fairs when recruiters seem disengaged?
I suggest that students take the initiative by asking specific questions. Instead of ending the conversation when a recruiter mentions an online application, students can ask what skills the company values most or what makes a candidate stand out. These questions can help students gain insight into employer expectations and leave a stronger impression.
What role do campus resources play in career preparation?
Campus resources are essential for career development. Career and professional development offices assist students with resume writing, interview preparation, and identifying internships and job opportunities.
I encourage communication students to use these services early and often, rather than waiting until senior year. Utilizing these resources can help students feel more prepared and confident throughout their academic journey.
What habits do employers value most in communication with students?
In addition to communication skills, employers highly value time management. Being able to balance responsibilities, meet deadlines, and stay organized is critical in most workplaces.
It’s understandable that students develop these habits throughout college as they juggle coursework, jobs, and extracurricular activities. Demonstrating strong time-management skills can help students stand out to employers.
How should students deal with rejection during the job search?
Rejection is a normal part of the job search process. The constant reminder to students is that not receiving an offer does not mean they are incapable or unqualified.
Sometimes another candidate is simply a better fit for the role. Each interview provides experience that students can apply to future opportunities. I encourage students to view rejection as a learning experience rather than a setback.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
One resource I would encourage students to explore is Steppingblocks, a career tool that shows where alumni have gone, what industries they are working in, and how students’ majors connect to different career paths. It is still fairly new, but it provides useful data on job outcomes and career trends that students often ask about. I am beginning to introduce it more by Career and Professional Development at Virginia Tech because it helps answer questions about where graduates are going and what the job market looks like, especially for students who are unsure of their next steps.
> THE NEWS FEED < 