After Graduating with a degree in Accounting from SUNY Geneseo in 2008, Derek Jokic launched himself into the workforce immediately.  His outstanding resume, landed him a job dealing with tax returns for the prestigious Price Waterhouse Accounting Firm in Rochester, New York.

While at Geneseo, Derek learned the skills necessary to survive and compete in the business world.  In addition to providing him with an outstanding education, Geneseo allowed Derek to acquire some of the intangibles that are needed to be successful.

Interpersonal Skills

Projects and Group work allowed Derek to deal with situations that occur on an everyday basis in the job world. 

“I found it very useful to collaborate with different people in groups for projects and presentations.  It forced me consider another person’s opinion and sometimes deal with conflict, while still being able to complete an assignment efficiently and effectively.  Those are situations that I face everyday in my job now.” 

He went on to mention that it provided him with the opportunity to work with people that have different personalities.  While it may have been difficult early on in his college career, he appreciates the fact that now he can work with just about anyone.

Time Management

In addition to graduating with a 3.9 GPA, Derek took on the role of student-athlete, competing four years on the Men’s Varsity Hockey team.  A person cannot play a sport in college and excel academically as much as Derek did without having time management skills. 

“I was forced to divide up my schedule so that I could play hockey and keep up with school.  I really had to take advantage of any free time that I had and use it efficiently.  This is probably the most valuable tool I have been able to apply to my job.”

Adjustment and Job Experience

Regardless of how well someone did as a student and how much they have prepared, entering the workforce will always require an adjustment period.  Some things can only be learned with experience, and can vary from job to job.  Derek went through a big adjustment from college life to the job world.  He quickly learned how little amount of flexibility he was permitted. 

“I am always working on someone else’s schedule.  When I am given something to do, it has to be done right away.  When I was in School I could put it off for as long as I wanted before it was due.” 

Constantly working on someone else’s schedule is a given in the workplace.  Despite the fact that someone may know this, when it comes for the first time there will still be an adjustment period.

Networking

When asked what the most important thing is for someone who is looking for a job Derek responded, “You have to know people.”  He went on to say that the ability to network can be the easiest and most useful tool for anyone in the near or distant future. 

“Building positive relationships and establishing connections with family, friends, colleagues and professors can only help.”  The idea is to use everything you can at your disposal.  Do not be afraid to put your name out there, get contacts and ask for phone numbers from anyone that can help you.  A student can use these connections both right out of college and/or 15 years from now.

Being Proactive

In addition to networking, Derek had further advice for college students who are looking for job opportunities.  There are a number of different job fairs, recruiting and industry events for students to attend at Geneseo.  Derek advised that when looking for a job “it is important to be persistent, keep your options open and apply everywhere.”   

Before anything, developing a good resume is absolutely crucial. 

“The companies I interviewed with really appreciated the fact that I was well rounded and had extra-curricular activities” Derek Said.  He stressed the fact that a business is going to separate its applicants based on what stands out to them. Students should get involved in sports, clubs and community service activities as much as possible so that a company will want them over the competition.