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Marketing and University Communication UW-Green Bay, CL 815 2420 Nicolet Drive Green Bay, WI 54311-7001 (920) 465-2626 E-mail: hildebrs@uwgb.edu Last update: 9/26/07 |
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In
the News Archive - Year:
May 28, 2007 Free Enterprise helps students prepare for real world jobs Krambs uses organization to gain experience for career
Q. What is Students in Free Enterprise and what led you to become involved with the organization?
A. Students in Free Enterprise is a globally recognized nonprofit organization that promotes the practice of free enterprise. SIFE teams across the country, at four- and two-year colleges, to create and implement service projects that help all ages learn about the value of basic business practices, economics and everyday financial skills.
I joined SIFE in the fall of my freshman year after Professor John Stoll mentioned the team in my introductory Micro Economics class. After hearing what SIFE's message and goals were, I felt as though it was the right student organization for me to join. I've now been an active member for three years, and I believe that SIFE has taught me just as much as my classroom studies have.
Q. How is involvement in Students in Free Enterprise helping you prepare for life after school?
A. SIFE allows us to take the skills we are learning in the classroom and use them in the real world as we implement our projects within the community. We learn how to practice the theories we learn in the classroom as we teach the skills to others. The daily business of keeping the team organized and on track is another skill that helps us prepare for life after college as we strive to present ourselves to the community in a professional manner.
Q. Speaking of life after school, what are you and your peers hearing about the hot jobs and industries? Are the available jobs and careers lining up with what students are actually interested in?
A. Graduating students are finding that the job market is extremely competitive right now. Employers are looking for more than just a four-year degree. They are now asking that many of their potential employees have internship experience, which makes it a requirement that students begin thinking about their career choice in their sophomore or junior year of college.
Often, students will enter a job right after college that may not fit their interests right away, but they will take the position anyway because of the possibility for advancement or the hope that something better will come along in a few years.
Q. We are told often that math and science are keys to future job security and economic progress. Are those subjects being studied by students today?
A. Those subjects are still being studied as they are key to a thriving economy as research and development has become an important aspect in remaining competitive in the global market.
Having said that, I don't believe they are the only subjects that contribute to economic progress. I believe that the diversity in perspectives and education greatly enhances the economy as we then value all sorts of careers, whether it be an engineer or a novelist.
Q. The American economy over the last decade has seen significant amounts of downsizing, outsourcing and job displacement, and we are told this is going to be the state of business from here on. How do you view your future in light of a transitional, volatile economy? Do you feel that college is preparing you to compete and succeed?
A. In my experience, college has been my best preparation for a transitional economy. As more industries are being outsourced, we have been encouraged to seek careers in service industries that will remain essential as the economy shifts. We've also been taught to be flexible and to never stop learning, whether that means pursuing a higher degree or reading to remain knowledgeable about the changes that are occurring in our chosen profession.
The key is to work with the evolving economy instead of fighting the changes.
Q. Now that you have some perspective based on experience, what advice do you have for high school students about to enter college?
A. Take as many different subjects as you can during your freshman year! You will be exposed to so many different things that you may find you want change your field of study as you develop a passion for a particular subject.
I never thought I would major in economics, but after taking an introductory course in my first semester, I realized that it was a subject I could see myself pursuing a career in. Also, get to know your professors! They are wonderful resources and many students overlook the opportunities they have to offer.
— Compiled by Richard Ryman/Press-Gazette
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