The unpredictability of the world's financial markets has many biting their nails. The global crisis affects students everywhere, but among those most heavily impacted are members of the Class of 2009 — seniors who are on the verge of entering the volatile job market.

The unstable economy has forced many big employers to lay off hordes of workers. Many professionals are taking pay cuts or accepting salary freezes, and lots of places just aren't hiring. The current market will hurt new professionals the most, as highly skilled workers settle for the entry-level positions graduates traditionally depend on.

With this is mind, we urge all students — particularly graduating seniors — to plan their post-graduation paths and take advantage of all that Career Services has to offer. Being proactive is key to combating employment struggles, and Career Services is an incredible resource that, unfortunately, is one of the most underutilized at Marquette.

Most students know that Career Services hosts job fairs, offers resume tips and can provide counseling, if requested.

However, Career Services offers programming of which most students just aren't aware. One of Career Services' most impressive resources is the Golden Eagle Search. The program accesses all public job-search sites and compiles one huge list of opportunities that Marquette students can access with just one click. The program allows students to search for job opportunities nationally and internationally and to search listings with keywords, like their majors or fields. Students can also conduct searches for jobs within driving distance from the cities of their choice.

Career Services also offers classes to help students discern career paths or ambitions. "Career Planning and Decision Making" (ARSC 050) is intended for freshman and sophomores choosing a course of study, and "Job Search Strategies" (ARSC 051) is for juniors and seniors preparing to enter the job market.

Further, Career Services maintains alumni networks to put seniors in touch with Marquette graduates who can help them get a foot in the door.

Career Services is conscious of the struggles many soon-to-be-graduates face and works to prepare students to be competitive in a tight job market. A Nov. 18 workshop, "How to Stay Strong in a Weak Economy," is supposed to help students make a plan and master networking. Students should seize this opportunity to ready themselves for the real world.

Career Services is in communication with many companies that hire Marquette graduates, and is privy to feedback from employers about which skills Marquette students need to shore up. According to Career Services, employers report many Marquette graduates struggle with job interviews. In response, Career Services now offers interview coaching and mock interviews to help students practice and gain confidence.

Career Services offers students a wide array of supportive resources. We urge every student to get to know Career Services because planning ahead for the unstable job market and being a top competitor is best achieved by taking advantage of the resources right here at Marquette.