Bright job seeker news from Career Services at University of St. Thomas – Houston: Area job postings for May 2021 jumped by 53% compared to the same month the previous year.

Director of UST Career Services Paula Marsh said, “Not only are we seeing more available positions for our students, but we’re also excited to report a corresponding uptick in recruiting events by employers. ”

Career Services has Students’ Job-Search Backs

The Career Services team watches the employment trends, finds specific job openings and arms students with the tools and job interview skills to win the position of their dreams.

“We are proud of our students’ success,” Marsh said. “Of the UST students who were seeking jobs during 2019 to 2020 (the last completed cycle), 93% accepted offers. Plus, the University has 3,000 employers recruiting our students.”

Career Services partners with students to connect them with job opportunities through vital resources and tools, including:

• Handshake – a career management platform
• CareerSpring – a first-generation student platform
• Insights Mentoring Program – alumni who mentor students
• UST Career Services Weekly Jobs Newsletter
• Events – Celt Career Week, Celt Career Day, Career Fair, panels, workshops, alumni engagement, etc.

Job-Finding Word to the Wise

Securing the job a student wants requires forethought. Given that, Marsh strongly encourages students to start preparation early.

“For students who are interested in landing a career at graduation or soon after, the job search should begin as a freshman,” Marsh advised. “We’re here to get them ready.”

With experienced career advising professionals coaching them along the way, students will gain a competitive edge as they learn to:

• Create a career action plan with the right goals for staying on track
• Explore opportunities in their field of interest
• Determine which opportunities are a fit with their values, motivators and goals
• Build a professional brand and network in their targeted field
• Engage in opportunities such as projects, symposiums, volunteering and shadowing to learn more about their field

Best Advice

Marsh added, “Above all, we advise students to take the time to learn about what you love to do. Do your research and explore careers, organizations and industries to ensure you find your passion and purpose. And be patient with the process — the best is yet to come!”

For Those Who Enjoy Numbers

Drawing from the Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers for April 2020 to April 2021, Houston’s No. 1 job growth was in trade, transportation and utilities. The No. 2 increase happened in education and health services.

Jobs categories tracked by Career Services include nursing and healthcare; STEM; Business; Accounting & Finance; Marketing & Communications; Legal & Government; IT, Technology & Data; and Education & Human Services.

The most recent job postings identified by Career Services are found in their weekly jobs newsletter and reflect 263 available positions for work and 35 internships. For the months of April, May and June, employers posted an average of 3,200 jobs per month in Handshake.