Released on = January 24, 2007, 9:26 am

Press Release Author = Shannon Cherry/Be Heard Solutions

Industry =

Press Release Summary = Certified coach shares secrets to transition from college
campus to corporate climate

Press Release Body = Hit the Ground Running Upon Graduation

Certified coach shares secrets to transition from college campus to corporate climate

ATLANTA (JANUARY 24, 2007) - There's more opportunity and more choices than ever for
college graduates, but according to Career Coach Hallie Crawford, CPCC, MA, the key
for students to land a great job upon graduation and be prepared for life after
school is to think and plan ahead.

"Surveys show employers plan to hire almost 18 percent more new college graduates
from the class of 2007 than they did from the class of 2006 - and the jobs will go
to the ones who are most prepared for the transition," says Crawford, who helps
graduates - and their parents - create a career plan.

The growing demand for new graduates is a result of an increased demand for
employers\' products and services; in addition, employees-baby boomers-are retiring
or nearing retirement age, and other employees are leaving organizations for new
opportunities. Indications are that employers expect the good job market to
continue-or perhaps get better.

"Most students don't think about getting a job until close to graduation, which is a
mistake," says the career coach. "College students so frequently graduate unprepared
for life after college, and with no sense of what they want to do. Many return to
live with their parents although they'd actually prefer not to." But just like
finding the best college, developing a plan of action to find a career that suits
one's personality, interests and talents about a year prior to graduating.

Crawford shares the following tips to get the plan started:
 Discover what's important to you in life and in a career-determine your
values and priorities. "Know yourself and what you think you want to do," she says.
"Now is the time to explore what you want to be when you 'grow up'".
 Gain inspiration from others who are working in a field they love. "Find a
mentor by identifying successful people in your life and talk to them about what
they did to get there," explains Crawford.
 Get the experience. "A college degree is important to many employers, but
real world experience is even more valuable," she says. An internship will build
many of the skills employers find lacking. "And it's not just an opportunity to gain
experience, but it\'s also a setting for you to learn professional behavior, learn
what it means to work in a team, and practice interpersonal communication," Crawford
explains.
 Think like an employer. "I know that a lot of money has been spent on your
education, but the reality is employers want to see the skills, not your college
life on a resume," she says. She suggests highlighting what you can do on a resume,
before ever discussing where you learned to do it.

"Young adults - and their parents - spend a lot of time and money at school," says
Crawford. "Don't waste the investment by not thinking of future plans."

For more information on finding an enjoyable career or for a free 30-minute phone
consultation, contact Hallie Crawford at 404-228-6434 or email at
hallie@halliecrawford.com.

About Hallie Crawford:
A Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), Hallie Crawford
(www.halliecrawford.com) is an experienced coach and trainer who helps people change
the way they feel about work - from just a paycheck to a fulfilling endeavor that is
an extension of their purpose and passion. Based in Atlanta, she offers, career
coaching, teleseminars, audio recordings and a free ezine to help people across the
country find a career they love. Crawford has earned undergraduate and graduate
degrees in Communications from Vanderbilt University and the University of Illinois
at Chicago.


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Web Site = http://www.halliecrawford.com

Contact Details = Hallie Crawford at hallie@halliecrawford.com or at 404-228-6434