PHILADELPHIA (April 9, 2010) – Graduating without knowing their next destination can be daunting for seniors. But it’s still not too late to take advantage of on-campus services that help students in their job searches, according to Saint Joseph’s University’s Career Development Center. The Career Center encourages seniors and graduates to take part in the many services they have to offer.

On Tuesday, April 13, the Career Development Center will host their Nonprofit and Government Career Fair in the Hagan Arena just off of 54th Street and City Avenue from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The fair will host a variety of employers looking for applicants who are interested in working within the non-profit sector.

The Career Development Center (CDC) has grown over the years to incorporate larger on-campus events such as career fairs in addition to recruitment sessions, panel discussions and networks like SJU’s LinkedIn account and the SJUcareers database where students can network with alumni and other professionals.

“Compared to last year, the class of 2010 is going to face slightly more challenges as a reflection of the economy,” offered Matt Brink, director of career services at Saint Joseph’s University. “But even though the job market is bearing the brunt of the recession, I’ve no doubt this class of students is not only well–prepared but also extremely motivated to put in the necessary work.”

Saint Joseph’s Career Development Center services rank highest among career search resources in aiding graduates find employment, according to last year’s Career Destinations Report, an annual report of the post–graduate activities of the current year’s graduates. This trend is expected to continue with the same effectiveness for 2010’s graduating class.

“I feel the CDC services are very effective. They helped with my resume, and prepared me for the entire job-seeking process. I really valued their engagement through emails and information sessions,” said Richard Chambers ’10, management and finance major, who interned with Amerisource Bergen and Johnson & Johnson as a co-op student.

Sean Armstrong ’10, a marketing major who has interned with the Philadelphia Flyers, Comcast-Spectacor and Charlottesville Sports-Plex shares this sentiment.  “Most seniors, no matter what major, really have no idea where to turn when looking toward their careers and away from their textbooks. Career Development provides the bridge between the daunting gap of the college life and the real world,” said Armstrong.

Alumni, searching for employment or looking to change careers, are also welcomed to utilize CDC programs and web-site resources and attend events.

“We want our graduates to leave happy,” said Rhonda Cohen, associate director of career services. “We try hard to join together a network of alumni and current students in order to open that communication and really expand the networking options for our grads. It’s a partnership between student and career center.”