Graduation has passed, your college years are officially behind you, and it is time to get a job. Deciding what you want to do with your brand-new college degree may prove to be a daunting task.

Drew Heredia, recent graduate of the University’s College of Business, said he was overwhelmed at the thought of searching for a job.

“I was still unsure as to what kind of job I wanted to pursue, whether it was geared toward marketing or sales, a desk job or if I wanted to travel,” he said.

Originally, Heredia said he wanted to concentrate on entrepreneurship with his business degree. However, after taking a marketing class, his interests quickly shifted.

“My professor started out in sales and marketing, and that helped him learn more about how things are run lower in the business chain,” Heredia said.

“He made me realize that I did not have to get a degree in entrepreneurship in order to start my own business someday.”

After attending the Business Career Fair and applying to several companies, Heredia said he began to get an idea of what he was looking for in a job.

“I went on a few interviews where I did not get a call back,” he said.

“Then there was some where I didn’t like the company or the job they had to offer, and they would want to bring me back for more interviews.”

Students must figure out what skills they have to offer employers, said Keri Carter Pipkins, assistant director of employer relations and employment services at the Career Center.

“We suggest that they explore their interests, values and their skills. Do a self-assessment to figure out what is important in a job to them,” she said.

After an evaluation of the student’s abilities, the Career Center can assist them in identifying what is needed for that particular field.

Some fields don’t require additional training or education, Pipkins said.

“People who are in a career field come into it in a variety of different ways,” she said. “Generally, a job search is more effective if it is more expansive.”

Heredia is employed with a medical supply company in the inventory control department. Although he is not directly in sales, he does get to observe how the representatives establish clients, he said.

“My major does help me a little in my job; as I get to know more about how the sales reps work and how they create agreements with customers,” Heredia said.

Pipkins said a college degree is a valuable asset and often will be utilized to some extent. There are a large number of students that do not end up in the career field that they originally anticipated, she said.

“Do not go into a major or take a job that you do not enjoy or like,” Heredia said.

“The most important thing is to make sure you do something that you like and makes you happy, no matter what it is.”