by Sarah Brower

Many students graduating in our economy find it difficult to find a job right away. Ashley Nichols, a current senior, has already landed a job immediately following graduation.

In May of 2008, Nichols was finishing up her junior year and had heard of a job opening up in the admissions office. She got the job and worked full time as a transfer counselor assistant for the summer.

“I fell in love with it, so I continued [through the school year],” Nichols said.

Nichols will be working as the new transfer admissions counselor after graduation.

“As a student my responsibilities were to assist the counselors, but now I am the counselor. I complete many of the same tasks, just at a much higher level of responsibility and I have the ability to communicate more with the new students,” Nichols said. “I love it. I get to meet with families, talk over financial aid, and register students.”

Nichols offered encouragement that is it possible to get a job following graduation, students need to open themselves up to opportunities and let God take control.

Upon graduation, Nichols job description will change.

“I serve all of the transfer students interested in and planning on attending Cornerstone. I walk with them through every step of the admissions process as they apply, become accepted, have their credits evaluated, deposit, and begin registering,” Nichols said. “I attend community college fairs and attend private visits at community colleges to recruit transfer students. I communicate with the department chair of each division on campus because they take over as the academic advisors of all transfer students.”

Through her time in the admission office, Nichols has worked as the transfer counselor assistant, admissions counselor assistant, and the hospitality assistant.

Nichols offers her advice to current students.

“Be persistent, when one door closes, look for another one that is opening, or go to Grad School,” Nichols said.

Nichols double majored in psychology and family studies.

Chris Holling, current freshmen admissions counselor, graduated from Cornerstone in 2005.

Holling received a job from Cornerstone in March and explained how important it is to network while in school and get your name out there.

“I help to facilitate the continued growth of future students by being a single point of contact for families and prospective students,” Holling said.

Holling graduated with a degree in business marketing and management.

He said that it is important to keep your eyes open on the internet and other places. He found out about his job by looking on the CU Web site.

“For current seniors, job searching can be tough and discouraging but continue to stay motivated and realize that almost any position will give you experience for future opportunities,” Holling said.

Nichols is looking forward to being the encouragement that transfers are looking for and being in an environment of people whose first priority is to serve Christ through incoming students.

“I have never worked in a more redemptive caring community than the admissions office. When you come in and see Shari McKee’s smiling face every morning, you just can’t help but be in a good mood also,” Nichols said. “I really enjoy working with transfers. They are in a much different place than an incoming freshman and have very unique needs, and I enjoy being the person who meets those. Many students leave their previous institution because they changed majors, needed out of community college, wanted a Christian environment, or just didn’t fit in. My hope is that through my testimony of Cornerstone University, they will be excited to transfer and become a part of our community!”