Q: What if I don't know what I want to do after graduation?

Maybe you have no idea about what you want to do; or perhaps you know that you want to do several different things that seem so unrelated you don't think you'll be able to do them all; or perhaps you just aren't sure how to obtain what you want or how to prioritize your needs... The OCS exists to help you sort out these and many other issues related to careers and lifestyles. Come in and talk with one of the career counselors, take one of our career tests, and let's see what focus emerges.

Q: Will the OCS get me a job?

Our mission on campus is empowerment, not placement. Current statistics suggest that you will conduct between 8-10 job searches in your lifetime. Our concern is that you know how to be a savvy job seeker. We offer you comprehensive and up-to-date employment resources to help you in your search. We maintain an online recruiting system and an active recruitment program to assist you.

Q: How much time and effort should I spend on the career process?

Since no two people have exactly the same needs, personalities, interests, backgrounds, or time limitations, the amount of time you spend on the career process will be based on you. Finding a job is relatively easy. Finding a job you will like that matches your education, skills, interests, and values takes time.  

Q:  My friend worked with the OCS last year and she graduated without a job. How come?

Surprising as it may seem, graduating from college with both a diploma and  a job in hand is more of the exception than the rule. It is often said that it takes one month of full-time  (40 hours/week) searching for every $10,000 in salary you hope to earn. At the entry-level, most jobs start between $15,000-$25,000/year. That means you need to devote, at the very least, six weeks of 40 hours/week to your job search to start! Many busy seniors either can't, or do not wish to sacrifice the final months of their undergraduate years to do this. We can help you learn how to conduct a successful job search as well as to help you ascertain that your head and heart are in the same place where your job is concerned.

Q:  I tried to see a counselor last year but had to wait three weeks for an appointment! How come?

To offer the most equitable service, we fill our schedules on a first come basis. As with most things at Bates, waiting until the last minute often means waiting in line. To ensure time for yourself, make your appointments early and keep them. In addition to individual appointments, we also offer workshops and drop-in hours for quick questions.

Q:  All the activity for seniors at the OCS is really focused on business jobs. I don't want to work in a business when I graduate, so I don't see how you can help me?

True, most on-campus recruitment is primarily conducted by large companies that can afford to mount very expensive national or regional job campaigns. However, note that 85% of all jobs that are available are in small to mid-size organizations that may not be able to afford such campaigning. In other words, many of the most exciting job opportunities will not come through on-campus recruitment but through other sources! Our library resources are carefully chosen with this in mind. We have excellent materials for most career fields, including (but not limited to) non-profits; social services; business; sciences; graduate schools (with significant collections for medical and law schools) and much more. In addition, we have resources on networking, resume writing, interviewing, job searches, etc. that are vital for all fields. Meet with a counselor to tailor-make your job strategies.

Q:  If I don't want to go directly on to graduate school after Bates, or if I don't get into the school of my choice, can I work for awhile and then reapply?

Absolutely! Many seniors actually do just that: apply to graduate school while looking for a job. You may have a bit more work to do than some, but you will keep both options open and have less to worry about should one of them not work out. Some graduate schools have anticipated this and will allow for deferred admission. Check carefully with each school for its requirements and talk with your department faculty advisors as soon as you are ready to continue with the application process. We have put together some Graduate School Resources. Be sure to go to the Graduate and Professional School Fair page for more information on this exciting October event sponsored by the OCS.

Q:  I haven't really done anything related to a career for the past four years. How can I possibly get a job without direct experience?

You would be surprised at how much you probably have done once you analyze and synthesize your experience! Employers do not expect a Bachelor's degree job candidate to have ten years of work experience to qualify for a job. Your education, summer and campus jobs, campus activities, internships, volunteer work, research, etc. can be presented well, honestly, and with a specific focus to a potential employer with good success.