10:11am
There are many things to love about the month of May. The first week alone is action-packed with pop culture celebrations, such as “May the 4th Be With You” (aka Star Wars Day). Then there is Cinco De Mayo, a holiday that celebrates more than just our love of tacos and margaritas, rather a recognition holiday of the Mexican army’s victory over France in the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. For many others, May represents new beginnings as millions of people graduate each year. This is especially true for college graduates. Did you know that only approximately 30% of Americans have a bachelor’s degree or higher? Though that number may seem shockingly low, that still represents millions of new graduates entering the workforce to follow their career path. The spring semester is when many students are searching for that post graduation job opportunity or internship. This past spring, many colleges held career day events across various departments to help give students an opportunity to meet employers and employers the opportunity to find new talent. Brasco /// was invited to participate in the East Carolina University School of Communication Career Day. We joined 25 other companies who were all focused in areas of communications, broadcasting, and media.
Brasco /// CEO, Brandon Ives, was invited to speak on a panel with other industry leaders. The discussion centered around prepping for life after college, job interviewing, and career development. He was joined by other panelists from Red Ventures and WNCT.
During the career day event Brasco /// received nearly 50 resumes from a range of talented students at ECU. Many of these students will find their career path working in media, journalism, broadcasting, corporate communications or possibly at a creative communications agency like Brasco ///. The 2019 graduating class in the School of Communications recently celebrated their graduation weekend held in the new student center.
A recent study by Pew Research shows that although the economy is strong and unemployment is low, the world isn’t always easy for new graduates. Many new graduates do not begin their careers in the job of their dreams. In fact, nearly 45% of new graduates end up in jobs that don’t even require a college degree. The study also noted that 35% of those new graduates were able to find what is considered “good post college jobs” that were relevant to their degree. Many graduates cite the relationships built during college as a top reason for success in their careers. In other words, the people we meet in college can be more than drinking buddies– they can end up being a reason you land a job later in life. One successful ECU alumna, television actress and graduation speaker, Emily Proctor, conferred during spring commencement ceremonies, “the reason I am where I am today is because of the people I met while at ECU.”
The reality is that while a college degree is still important in America today, possibly of equal importance are the people we meet and the authentic relationships we make. Life is always full of challenges and that is no different for college graduates seeking new beginnings. To all of the 2019 graduates, whether you are receiving your bachelor’s degree, masters, or doctorate, we wish you the very best in your new beginnings. Follow your passions, seek to help others, and be authentic in the relationships you forge along the way.
Cheers ///