First job security
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Erika Wilson’s LinkedIn post about finding a job before graduating landed her a spotlight in a Wall Street Journal article.
The March 17 story explored how students locked in offers and included Wilson finding a position with asset management firm BlackRock. “Right now, the job market is pretty tough,” said Wilson, who graduated a semester early in December 2023. “It’s tough to secure a full-time offer.”
As a first-year student, Wilson lost out on a marketing internship at a wine and beverage company, but a resume descriptor as “aspiring changemaker” stood out to one reviewer who connected her with an entrepreneur. She ended up working as a remote freelancer for the next few years for the entrepreneur.
She secured an internship with BlackRock in the summer of 2023, working in leadership and manager development. “It was a really great experience. I learned time management skills and adaptability as things moved quickly,” Wilson said. “I also learned organizational skills, which not only will help me in the working world but also in life.” She received a full-time offer with the firm in August 2023.
Wilson is not alone. Of the Class of 2023 at UR, 72% achieved a first destination by graduation and 94% by six months out. “We define first destination as working, volunteer service, or attending graduate school,” said Erin Lowery, associate director of assessment & planning, Career Services.
Wilson is grateful for help she received from the University, including the Career Services office. “They helped me with my resume and helped me get less stressed about finding a job,” said Wilson, who majored in philosophy, politics, economics, and law.
Her on-campus activities also prepared her for her career. As a Bonner Scholar, she volunteered at the Henrico Education Foundation. She also served as a resident assistant and head resident, worked as a cashier at the school store, and served as a mentor to first-generation and limited-income students during her final semester. Other activities included Endeavor, the Black Student Union, and Shades of Pride.
Although she received a full-time offer from BlackRock before graduation, she took some time to engage in political fundraising for a New Jersey U.S. Senate campaign, then write, travel, and rejuvenate. She started her job with BlackRock in its New York headquarters office last week.
“My goal after college was getting a job I enjoy doing,” Wilson said. “I’m happy I achieved that.”