In December, students focus on finishing finals, packing up and going home for the holidays. But a few hundred students will be attending winter commencement for graduation in December due to an extra semester or graduating early. Graduation is a stressful time for students. Students not only have to finish their finals, but have to have all their resume, cover letters, and job search materials set months in advance so they can apply for jobs.

Erik Weber is one of the many students graduating in December. He says as long as he remains  disciplined, it is not stressful finding a job and completing the work needed for graduation.

Weber says graduating in December has it’s benefits. While most students will be going back after the holidays for their last semester others can get ahead in the job hunt. Right after the holidays students will be able to apply to jobs without having all the competition in May. Weber says it gives students more of a benefit and a better chance to land a job.

“Most companies have their major hiring seasons, but graduating in December will help allow you to sneak in a job before the major hiring season.” Says Will Reed. “Some places may need a spot filled immediately so students will be able to fill the position before others.”

All students have their dream jobs and companies they want to apply for so graduating in December may help those students land those jobs. Some students who can land a job after the Holidays would consider that the greatest holiday gift because it is a testament to all their hard work. It has shown that it has paid off and they can all start living in the real world.

 

The Walter Center for Career Achievement can help students tweak their resume and cover letters while also assisting  them in preparing for interviews. They offer workshops to help prepare students, and give tips and advice.  Career fairs throughout the semester help students network and find jobs, which can be especially help[ful for those graduating in December.

 

These resources are only offered through Indiana University while you are a student.  Career counselors say it is best to take advantage of them before graduation. Over the course of the semester, IU brings alumni back to help them recruit graduating students.