Does a particular major give you an advantage in today’s job market? If you were to look to the enrollments in professional school programs around the country you might come to the conclusion that there is a benefit to these programs.

Before you enroll you should ask a few questions. First, do you want to be an accountant or an engineer? Do I need an undergraduate business degree to find a job in business? If I want to be a film maker and I did not get into a film program is my career over?

If you are not planning to be an accountant or an engineer, it really does not matter what you choose as an undergraduate major. What is important is that you choose a major that you enjoy. If you are actively engaged in your studies, you will do well and it will be reflected in your GPA. And you should seek out a couple of internships that will give you an opportunity to demonstrate the practical application of your education.

As I write this I know there are many of you who are doubters. But let’s look at your competition. With the exception of the University of Pennsylvania, none of the Ivy League schools have an undergraduate business major. Employers hiring at those schools are looking at traditional liberal arts majors.

Check out the bios of the folks who are leaders in your particular field. You may be surprised to see how many theater, philosophy and history majors are leading Fortune 500 organizations. And those filmmakers? How many of them have succeeded because they know how to tell a story and select a score to create the perfect visual image without knowing all the technical aspects of film?

The message here is to look at your undergraduate education as a time for intellectual exploration. There are so many career options, even in an economic downturn. It just does not make sense to narrow your choices prematurely. Take electives, get out of your comfort zone. Don’t go for the easy classes, take the ones that challenge you to think and stretch your capabilities. This is what will prepare you for the workplace after graduation.

What can Mark Sanchez teach us about being successful in our rookie year in the workplace? (For those of you who are freshmen, Mark was the USC quarterback and graduated in May. He is the starting quarterback for the NY Jets.)

First, you have to be willing to relocate. For many of you native Californians, the idea of working in a place where the temperature goes below 60 degrees is not tempting. However, if it puts you in the major business center of your field, why wouldn’t you move?

In order to achieve success, you need to be willing to fail. Being the first rookie quarterback of the NY Jets in many years is placing yourself out there among some of the most knowledgeable and critical football fans in the country. If you make a mistake, recover quickly. Visualize the sacked quarterback getting up and calling the next play. It hurts, but you don’t have time to dwell on it, just learn and move on.

Don’t always listen to other’s opinions of your career choice. It’s your decision. Seek advice and counsel from those your respect, but in the end what you choose to do is what you choose to do.

Study and work hard. Just because you have left an academic environment doesn’t mean you don’t have lots to learn. In today’s NY Times sportswriter Greg Bishop describes the process Mark has used to learn the Jet’s playbook. Once you know the strategy of your employer you understand what part you play in the success of an organization.

Ask lots of questions. In the article, Bishop describes Mark reviewing the game plan and filling a notebook with questions for the offensive coordinator. If you don’t ask questions, you don’t learn. If you are discouraged from asking questions, perhaps you need to find another job.

In any new position you are trying to master a set of skills that will help you succeed and be comfortable in your workplace. Take a look at the picture at the beginning of the NY TImes article. Is that one happy rookie? Wouldn’t you love to be that confident and happy in your new job?

Only a couple of more days until career day. What should you be doing to prepare?

First you should feel comfortable that your resume accurately represents your experience. This week the career center has all day ‘walk in’ hours for a last minute review. It is also a good idea to ask an industry professional to give you some feedback. They offer a unique perspective of what defines success in a particular field and can advise you on areas to emphasize.

There will be over 100 employers in attendance and the event lasts 4.5 hours. Narrow down your selection of employers and be sure you meet the qualifications. You do not want to stand on a line for 30 minutes only to discover you are not a match. Check the information on connectSC and do your research prior to the event. Select your top 10 organizations and arrive early. If there are long lines at your top choice, go to your next choice and come back when the lines may be shorter.

Are you in class all day Thursday and unable to attend? Stop by the CPPC for the contact information. Your best chance to move on in the process is a face to face meeting. However, your academic commitments are your priority and the CPPC staff will help you make the connection after the event.

What is your story? When you are in front of the employer what will you say? Look at your resume and then review the jobs listed by the employer. What is the one thing about your background that relates to the employer’s interests? This could be a class, an internship, travel or a part time job. You will only have a few seconds to make a first impression and a couple of minutes to express your interest. Be sure it connects with the employer.

In review: update your resume, prioritize your employer list, get a good night’s rest and practice your 2-3 minute story. And, be yourself.

If it’s the fourth week of classes, it must be the week before career fair. What should you be doing to prepare?

First, register on connectSC. This will give you access to the list of employers who will be participating in the Fall Career Fair. Review the list and do your research on the employers you may want to meet. Develop a list, prioritizing those you would like to meet. The day goes quickly and you want the opportunity to spend time with your top prospects.

Once you have your list, think about what you want to say when you meet a recruiter. This will be a short introductory meeting and first impressions are critical to your opportunity to advance in the selection process. Remember your name and a few words about why you are interested in working for this employer. There may be fewer openings available this year and you want the recruiter to remember you – in a positive way. Give them a copy of your resume and ask for a business card.

Are you looking for a position outside of Los Angeles? Your research should lead you to the organizations with locations where you would like to work. Ask the recruiter if they recruit centrally. If not, ask for the name of a recruiter in your city of preference.

What to wear? It is a professional event and if you are looking for a full time job, you should communicate how serious you are with the appropriate attire. The job market is very competitive and employers expectations are a bit more conservative than a year ago. If you are a senior, a suit is a must. If you are an undergraduate looking for an internship, slacks and a collared shirt for men and a coordinated sweater/blouse and skirt/slacks will work for women. Remember, you want the employer to hear what you have to offer, not be distracted by your appearance.

The best advice. Attend career fair. Think of it as the ‘Kickoff Classic’ of the job search season. The employers who participate are seeking USC students because of a history of success with alumni as employees. Be prepared to answer a few qualifying questions. Show your interest and energy in your conversation. And, try not to break the recruiter’s hand with too firm a handshake.

Don’t see an employer on the list? It may be that they are still hiring, but not visiting campus this year. Stop by the CPPC and we can help you find an appropriate contact.

Still trying to figure out where to start your job search? The answer might just be in the front of your classroom today.

While many students in the professional schools look to faculty practitioners for advice, other faculty are often overlooked as resources who can help you with your career decision. Today is the day to begin a conversation with one of your professors. Why?

It just makes sense from an academic success perspective. If your professor knows you on a personal level, he or she will take an interest in your work. It will help you stand out in the classroom and create a memory past the few months of a semester.

If you are considering graduate or professional school after commencement you will need recommendations from a faculty member. In addition, many competitive scholarships and internships will require a faculty reference. Making your first contact at the time you need a recommendation typically will not result is a strong letter of reference.

If you are looking for an internship, schedule some time or drop in during office hours. Let your professors know what you are thinking in terms of both your short and long term career plans. They may know alumni from the department or have professional contacts in the field you have chosen. A well placed call from a respected academic can open doors and get you started on your career path.

And just don’t make it a one appointment conversation. Keep your professors posted on your progress. A personal thank you note acknowledging their help will maintain your positive perception. In this competitive job market, your best resource may just be in your next class.

How long will it take you find a job? When should you start your search? Often the answers depend on the field you have chosen. In this job market, there is no such thing as too soon.

Looking back on the experience of the Class of 2009 it is clear that many people postponed starting their search in hopes the economic situation would improve. What they missed was the opportunity to network with professionals and test interests with an internship. As employers realized they may have ‘under hired’, these students were not even in the loop to be considered.

Assume that your job search will take a minimum of six months. If you had an internship this past summer, you may be anticipating an offer. Do not wait for the offer, continue on with your exploration of options. Take out your calendar and plot a six month strategy. You may want to add time for Thanksgiving and winter break.

Develop a plan that starts with a revised resume and a schedule of networking events and appointments. Next schedule an appointment with a career adviser. Ask for feedback on your resume and plan. Talk to your professors. Get their advice. Many are experts in their field and can help you connect with former students. Finally, ask an employer in the field to provide some input.

There can be many distractions on a college campus. Try to stay focused and on plan. Your efforts will be rewarded and your expectations will be based on a realistic timeline.