UT Commencement Kicks Off: Tips for Grads Entering the Job Market (Full Transcript)

Speaker 1: Alright, grab the cap and gowns. UT Commencement Ceremonies begin today. The Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology will walk across the stage at 4 p.m. The university will award over 4,200 degrees and commission ROTC cadets. Most ceremonies will be held at Thompson Bowling Arena and live-streamed by the university.

Speaker 2: And as we approach the end of another semester, the business world is looking for those top recruits.

Speaker 1: Of course they are. Yvonne Thomas, live on campus with some tips on how students can stand out in that job search. Good morning.

Speaker 3: Abby Russell, good morning. I'm sure the University of Tennessee is producing many of those top recruits. And if those grads haven't already scored their dream job or career, that's something they definitely will be looking to do after they walk across that stage. And many HR representatives and career coaches say that people are looking for two exact things. They're gonna look at your resume and they're also gonna look at your social media footprint. Now what we can tell you is tip number one, they say to target your resume and cover letter to the job that you want. Many experts say you should also show a willingness to learn during that interview process. And employers are looking for the three Es, energy, experiences, and enthusiasm. But many HR reps say before you submit that application online or in person.

Speaker 4: So please, those beer keg shots upside down on Facebook, get rid of them, not a good idea.

Speaker 3: And for future grads, internships do matter. They say the more you have, the more chances you have of scoring that job that you want. Now if you're just a teen or if you're an undergrad that's looking for a seasonal job, we have the highest paid summer jobs for teens. Number one being a golf caddy. They make about 120 to $140 per round of golf. That's only about four hours of work. And coming in at number two, movie theater attendants make more than about $8 an hour, which is higher than minimum wage. And you can also earn tips, especially if you work in concessions. And coming in at number three, camp counselors make about $230 a week. Athletic youth coaches are listed to make even more. And according to PayScale, someone teaching soccer could make up to $250 a week. Abby Russell, can you believe that? I wish I was doing some of these jobs when I was a teen.

Speaker 1: Yeah, I'll say, that sounds pretty good to me.

Speaker 2: I was just talking about my first job this morning with one of our directors. I made sandwiches at old Fortunato's Deli in Arizona.

Speaker 1: Is that right?

Speaker 2: Yeah, and I probably didn't, I think minimum wage at the time was like five bucks an hour. And I was grateful for that.

Speaker 1: Yes, you were.

Speaker 2: But I should have been a caddy. That's a note to self.

Speaker 1: Thanks, Yvonne.