By Kimberly Ecker
Madison Magazine
Special To Channel 3000

These days, living cautiously is visible: Families choosing grocery-store frozen egg rolls rather than dining at P.F. Chang's; commuters dragging dusty bikes out of the attic instead of driving cars to work; once-eager college graduates glumly unloading the truck at the parent's house after receiving no job offers.

College grads searching jobsonline.com a month before slipping on that robe and tassel will definitely not increase their chances of securing an internship or job upon graduation. Madison area college advisors encourage college grads and those looking to re-join the work world after a layoff to get involved--now.

Job U.

"Involvement is key," says UW--Madison Business Career Center director Steve Shroeder. "Sustaining at least one internship before graduation is almost essential to determine if that is the right career path for the student, but also for the company to see if they're interested in offering the student a full-time position post graduation."

Greg Iaccarino, UW Letters and Science career and internship advisor, also encourages involvement before commencement ceremonies draw near.

"Any kind of practical experience whether it be an internship, volunteer experience, involvement in a student organization or studying abroad makes a student well-rounded and more marketable," says Iaccarino.

The Business Career Center assists in all aspects of the job preparation process, including tips on resume and cover letter preparation, appropriate dress for interviews and the workplace, hosting an etiquette dinner and holding their annual career fair at the Kohl Center.

"There are two sides to career services," says Shroeder, "preparing students to meet with employers, and bringing in employers who are interested in our students. Our doors are open to any employer in the Madison area or beyond."

Although this year's career fair turnout has dwindled from 170 to 115 companies since last year, 115 companies is still an encouraging number.

"Good employer attendance has enabled students to network with a variety of employers and stay on the employer's radar screens," says Iaccarino.

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