After four years of networking, homework and studying, Columbia’s graduating seniors are anticipating lengthy job searches while entering into a tough job market and economy. But the college is amping up its efforts to address these concerns with a larger, more expansive Industry Night event to be held on May 14.

Only in its second year, the campus-wide event will include all academic departments and invite about 300 industry professionals to meet and network with the more than 800 students who have registered. Students will have opportunities to network with professionals and show off their portfolios.

In anticipation of a difficult job market and the upcoming Industry Night, professionals from several areas of expertise offer up some advice for seniors-and they don’t hold back.

Jamie Naioti, flash director, WHITTMANHART Interactive

You don’t know everything: “You might be smart, ambitious and a good worker, but there are lots of people who have been doing this for much longer than you. Chances are you could learn something from them,” said Naioti, the flash director at WHITTMANHART Interactive, an Internet marketing and online advertising company based in Chicago. “So if a creative director or technical director is talking to you about your work, shut up and listen.”

Draw it out: “I can’t stress this enough,” Naioti said. “Draw something every day.”

Nobody owes you anything: “You might think you should get a starting salary of $75,000 a year and an office, but the truth is, it’s going to take a while to get there,” he said. “Nothing is a given in this industry, no one has free rides and to get anywhere you have to have the work to prove it.”

Naoti has also been employed as the Lead Interactive Designer at DIGITAS, where he worked on Flash sites and rich media for some well-known clients such as Miller Brewing and Kitchen Aid.

Sarah Mudler, senior project manager, The Recording Academy

Grin it and bear it: “Most intern and entry-level jobs are filled with thrilling things like Excel spreadsheets and filing,” Mudler said. “The people who get hired and promoted are the ones that do the grunt work to the best of their ability with a smile and positive attitude.”

Get another job: “I don’t know a single person in the music industry that didn’t have at least a couple of other jobs on the side to supplement their income in the beginning,” Mudler said. “My personal experience was bartending nights and being a waitress on the weekends for the first few years. So much for sleeping!”

Don’t have illusions of grandeur: “The music industry these days consists of people that work really hard, for very little money,” she said. “Do it for the love of the music, or get out now.”

Sharon Potsch, talent representative,  Artisan

Make your portfolio memorable: “Well, the market is tough. It’s not enough just to have an ‘OK’ portfolio. No plastic binders, no black books,” Potsch said.  “Your portfolio needs to represent who you are as an artist, not just in the work you choose to include, but in the actual portfolio itself.”

Think virtual: “Print work is still in demand-but the ability to demonstrate how a print campaign can become virtual is a must,” she said. “As new graduates, it is expected that you are able to think virtual.”

Remember your manners: “Arrive on time for appointments, send thank-you notes on actual stationery and dress appropriately (this includes proper grooming),” Potsch said. “Manners are more important than ever and help individuals stand out from the crowd of people who arrive late for appointments and have messy portfolios.”

Potsch reviews portfolios regularly of graphic designers, copywriters, art directors and creative directors as a talent representative with Artisan.

Industry Night will take place on May 14 starting at 4 p.m. at many locations across campus. It will feature various receptions, exhibitions and events. For more information about the events,  visit Colum.edu/IndustryNight.