The last time I was home visiting my family, the inevitable line of questioning began, same as always: "What are you going to do after you graduate?" While my answer has generally stayed the same over the past four years, this time things were different.
I had always planned to go straight to graduate school after earning my Bachelor's degree, because like Seymour mentioned, I figured I would never go back if I took time off. What I have come to realize, however, is that I have more options than I ever realized and need to seriously consider each of them.
Now, my graduation date sits less than five months away. I am nervous and scared and all of the stereotypical things every soon-to-be graduate is. But at the same time, I am excited to start the next chapter and get on with my life. Whether it be going to graduate school in Ireland [my first choice] or go full-time at my current job [my sixth choice], I know that I will only be successful if I am happy.
The same goes for all of you weighing your options and unsure of your future. Sort out your priorities and realize that no matter what you do, you have to live with your decision. So be thoughtful and take care... the rest will all fall into place!
You’ve just graduated from college and you’re thinking about taking a well-deserved break in the action before embarking on your new career. Besides, the current job market pretty much stinks. If this sounds like you, consider doing something meaningful as you explore your alternatives.
A “gap year” represents a prolonged period of time between two stages of life. Taking this time off is commonplace in Europe and Australia where young adults often take a break after high school or college. Graduates are encouraged to use this period to take on meaningful experiences for personal development and exploration before moving on to the next stage of life.
But, is becoming a “gapper” a smart move for you – especially given the current state of the economy? Naturally, it depends. Consider the pros and cons of taking a break.
Pros:
You can take this time to save money for grad school, an apartment, or a car.
If you’re tired of school, you may not do well in a grad school program without taking a break first – which could save you money in the long run.
You can use this time to explore careers alternatives, perhaps by interning.
Traveling across the country or abroad will allow you to explore geographical options and other cultures.
You can use this time to “give back” to your community by volunteering.
Cons:
After taking some time off, you may never want to further your education.
You could lose contact with those ever-important networking contacts you’ve accumulated while in school – such as professors and professional mentors.
Many educators believe that the increased focus, maturity and motivation gappers obtain are worth the break in the “job search” action. And, given that good jobs are few and far between right now, it might be a good time to escape from the pressure that has left many recent college grads burned out – the pressure of finding a good job in a bad recession. So if you’re inclined, take some time. This gap in your resume could work to your advantage. Good luck!
As any college graduate can tell you, the last few months leading up to commencement are often times painful and seem to have no end in sight. But what they may not advise you about is that those months can be vital tools to ensuring your future at an excellent company.
When you begin your last semester, you should plan out what goals you would like to accomplish before you graduate. These can include things like finding a job, signing a lease for a new apartment, or planning a move to a more appealing location. In addition, you should secure any final internships or part-time job opportunities that can help build your resume.
Your final months in college will likely entail interviews and appointments that will aid in securing a job. While these are very important aspects of bridging the college gap into the career world, remember to savor those moments as well; partying late, sleeping in and running to class will soon be a thing of the past!
Heads Up Gen Y: Part-Time Work & Volunteering Can Help You Find a Job!
There's been a lot of talk around Gen Y and the workforce lately. With jobs scarce, college graduates need to make the most of their available options.
Lindsay Pollack, bestselling author, speaker and consultant specializing in Generation Y career and workplace issues, recently sat down with Career TV to talk about how part-time work experience and volunteering can help Gen Y's land a job in this competitive market.
Break out the tissues. This post contains sensitive material.
Today someone got laid off. Or, in politically correct speak, their “position was eliminated.” Perhaps they knew it was coming. Perhaps not. But the worst of it is this: they had just embarked on a new career and had a bright, exciting future in front of them. Could this be you?
This is how it works. First you’ll hear rumors of layoffs. The rumors result in office-wide shock and paranoia. Your colleagues begin to console each other. A co-worker assures you that you “deserve to stay” because you are smarter, more skilled, more attractive and generally all-around cooler. You’re glad that all your hard work went noticed by your superiors, but worry that those who mandated the layoff at the national level don’t know you — you are just a name that fills a position — and the newest person on the team. What’s more, according to the rumor mill, the positions being eliminated may solely be decided by how recently people were hired.
So there you have it. You went through four years of college and graduated. You land the job, are praised for a job “well done” and then all the sudden, your high expectations are dashed and you are no longer employable.
Getting laid-off is a humbling experience, especially if you’ve never experienced real financial hardship or big disappointment. But there's plenty of time to fix things and get back on track. Look at the situation as an opportunity. Consider an unpaid internship or temp work while you search for another job. Think about moving to a place where there are more career opportunities in your field. What about graduate school? Perhaps this is best time for you to get that advanced degree.
But, while you spend hours looking for jobs, be sure to make time for yourself too. Hit the gym five times a week. Use your free time to blog more. Rent multiple seasons of your favorite TV melodrama.
A youthful outlook helps too. That great next job might not emerge next week or even next month, But, remember, time is on your side -- so take a deep breath. You’ll likely be working for decades!
It’s sad but true: job security is an oxymoron. The workplace is simply not as crowded as it used to be. But, if you are fortunate enough to have a job, especially one that you enjoy, now’s the time to keep yourself from becoming a statistic and take hold of your career.
First of all, this is no time to be invisible. If they don’t notice you, you’ll be one of the first people to receive a pink slip. Instead, adjust that attitude to fit the seriousness of the times, and safeguard your position. How?
Perform! Being a valuable contributor to an organization has never been more critical. Be a good employee. Be a team player. Be a top-producer.
Stay tuned in. Skip that $4 latte in favor of the office coffee klatch. Eat at your desk instead a grabbing a sandwich at the local café. Move your lunchtime workout to after work instead. The more you’re around the office the better plugged in you’ll be.
Talk up your contributions. Make sure you're adding value by going above and beyond your basic job responsibilities. Then make sure your boss knows it -- without being obnoxious. Document what you do, and how successful you are at it.
No whining. If your workload increases, deal with it. If you have to come in early, stay late or work a weekend, suck it up. This is not the time to be thinking about work-life balance. Remember, happy campers are less likely to get laid off than chronic complainers.
Never stop networking. The day you’re let go is not the day to start calling old colleagues and asking former bosses out to lunch. You should be doing that right now. How quickly you land a new job after a layoff often depends on how consistently you've networked.
In this economy, preparation is just as important for those who still have jobs as it is for those seeking them. So, stay focused on what you’re doing, but have an exit strategy in your back pocket. Good luck!
Spherion, a leading recruiting and staffing company, partnered with MonsterTRAK, Monster.com's college division, to visit a local college campus and find out how seniors are preparing themselves for the transition from campus life to the working world.
I'm going to be graduating soon and like most college seniors, I'm getting nervous about the looming transition from college to the real world. To try to prepare, I've been reading everything I can get my hands on to brace myself for this dog-eat-dog world that I'm about to be thrown into.
The article stated that about 1.5 million undergraduates will receive their bachelor’s degrees this year and those graduates will collide with 1.85 million workers with bachelor’s degrees or higher who are currently unemployed. Pretty scary, right?
The article goes on to say -- "While the recession accounts for a large part of the drop in college hiring and the rise in unemployment among workers with degrees, the numbers also reflect a long-term trend toward producing more college graduates than labor markets can absorb. This trend is exacerbated by an equally long-standing mismatch in the fields of study that students pursue and the skill sets that employers require."
This is the first time I've heard anything like this... I mean, the whole reason I went to college was to prepare for my future career. So my question is: As a soon-to-be grad, what should I be doing to make myself more marketable to employers?
So, you graduated. And your parents are ready for you to be in "the real world." You however, may not be so eager to jump right into a career and the 9-5 routine. Taking a break sounds perfect to you, after completing 17 years of school.
I've found that many of my friends from college feel the same way after donning their caps and gowns. The job market isn't promising and they just don't feel like joining the workforce right away. Is it really that bad if they don't get a "real" job right away?
In my opinion, not necessarily. You've probably been told to use your degree following graduation, but I can understand and empathize with the burnout that earning a degree brings upon students. I think students should just remember that there are a multitude of resources to help them find their perfect job and ease into post-graduation life.
Recruiters, for example, are an excellent outlet to alleviate some of the stress and find your dream job. Using aids like that will surely help to find a good job without freaking out about being out on your own. They can serve as a mentor and guide the process along.
Whatever you do, just make sure you think long-term. Taking a few months off may still sound like a good idea, until you work out your income and expenses and realize you're seeing red. Before making a big decision about your future, consider all of the awesome resources you have available!
Why Your Mom Shouldn't Be a Professional Reference
Yes, it’s true… when selecting a job reference; you definitely want someone who will sing your praises to a potential employer! Who better to do the job than your dear old mom… dad… or even your favorite Aunt Sue?
Here’s the catch: you may be every bit as wonderful as your mom claims but let’s face it; she’s your mom and she’s biologically-obligated to feel that way! Same goes for any family member, college roommate or best friend. While they could give you a great reference, employers really don’t want to know that you are a true friend, a reliable designated driver or that you always make your bed!
What you really want in a reference is someone who can account for your work-related qualities. Of course your first choice should be past and present employers since they can account for reliability, initiative, time management and your ability to work with others. Remember that even if your job experience was not career-related, it is still valuable! So, go ahead and ask the director of the camp where you worked last summer, the manager of the restaurant where you worked during college, or the head lifeguard at local pool where you worked in high school—they’re all are great resources!
Ok, so the store you worked at every summer closed down and you didn’t “friend” your old manager on Facebook. Where else can you find a reference? Teachers or college professors can be great references. They have worked closely with you and know about your academic ability, productivity, and timeliness. Others, such as advisors, group leaders and coaches, can also provide information about you, which could be relevant to a potential employer. So, take some time to really think about people who have worked, coached or taught you in the past. Those are the people who are able to offer a good picture of who you are to a potential employer.
Once you have a list of people who you want to represent you, it is important to make sure you ask them if they would be willing to be a reference. Once they have agreed, keep them up-to-date about your job search, provide them with your current resume, the names of the companies you are seeking employment, the types of jobs you are applying for and if possible, even the job descriptions. This type of information will help prepare them to give you the best recommendation possible. And, although they may not know you as well as your mother—they will still be able to give you the glowing reference that you need to get the job. Good luck!
Cinderella Syndrome: Why Career Success is not a Fairytale.
Many students making the transition from college-life to the real world have contracted a serious condition called “Cinderella Syndrome,” also commonly referred to as “princess syndrome.” Careerealism defines this fictitious disease as a sense of entitlement when it comes to achieving career success.
Cinderella Syndrome can lead people to believe its “unfair” as to why they have not been hired for a particular job, rather than understanding that someone may have been better suited for the position. This entitlement can also lead college students to believe that after graduating the right job will fall into their laps or better yet, that a company will actively recruit them directly out of school. Ring- Ring! Reality is calling…
Today’s job market is a fiercely competitive place and sitting back on the assumption that the right job will find you is not a strategy for career success! Career success is not a fairytale, it’s out there and it can happen to you! But the only real way to achieve it is through hard work and perseverance. You must actively take steps to achieve your goals, rather than waiting around for your fairy godmother to wave her magic wand.
Start by setting realistic goals for yourself. Give yourself a daily dose of success by creating attainable of goals of progress. You are never going to become CEO of a Fortune 500 company overnight; however you can start by taking a course in Management. By conquering small steps, you’ll give yourself a boost of confidence each time making progress towards taming the employment beast and becoming closer to achieving your goals.
Network, network, network! Many times in today’s workforce, it’s not what you know that separates you from the crowd… its who you know! If you’re currently interning or temping, make the most of your opportunities. Go beyond what your employer asks of you, and show your co-workers what you are made of! Be fearless in showing how much enthusiasm you have for your work. The connections you make with your colleagues could potentially lead to job offers, letters of recommendation or just some stellar professional advice.
And remember, being positive can be the ultimate determining factor in your success. So smile on… and you might happen to catch yourself a Prince Charming while working your way towards career success! Good luck!
Just this morning I spoke with one of my professors about how imperative it is that I find an internship before I graduate in December. While I understand that not every college student feels the same way, it is well-known in the mass communications department that our field is dwindling, thus any internship experience is vital to our post-collegiate lives.
Lucky for me and my mass comm colleagues, our school offers a course within our specific tracks [mine being magazine journalism, for example] that provides course credit while interning with a company in the field. The internship is unpaid, of course, but the semester spent on-the-job has opened up numerous doors for the graduates before me. Because of that, I have no qualms about finding an internship in the coming year.
The post-internship life, on the other hand, terrifies me. What if it doesn't turn into a job offer? Life will go on, of this I can assure you. The main thing to keep in mind is that not every "job" will become a "career." Trial and error is a fact of life, and if nothing else, you can walk away with more experience on what you like [or don't] about the field you've worked in. Keep on trekking, eventually the day will come when your dream career will become a reality!
Your college days are quickly coming to an end. You are about to face the real world for the first time. In other words, you’re going to need a real job— pretty scary, huh? If you’re wondering what to do next, you’re not alone. Millions of new grads have been faced with this same exact situation. They survived, and I promise, you will too! Nonetheless, there are things that can be done in preparation to help make your transition into the working world a little less jolting.
Like most grads, I’m sure you’re thinking that a great resume is going to take you places. While that’s true for the most part, it’s the substance (not the fluff) that determines the greatness of a resume. These days the job market is intense, so you’ll need to pull out all of the stops in order to land the job of your dreams, or at least one that’s worth bragging about. But, before you even think about writing your resume, make it your ambition to get as much experience as possible. That way, you’ll have something impressive to put on that fresh new resume of yours.
Internships, temp jobs and volunteer work are all great ways to rack up experience. Plus, you’ll gain an insider perspective in the field that you want to work in—something invaluable to finding career happiness. It also gives you the opportunity to network with other professionals in your prospective field. Networking is critical. It means getting your name out there and making connections with people who can assist or influence your job search. The right contact could be your golden ticket to a sought-after career opportunity that may otherwise not exist.
As you gain experience, you’ll find out what you like to do and what you’d rather do without. This is an important part of determining what career path will suit you best. While your degree will set you in a definite direction, don’t overlook jobs that play to your natural talents, interests and abilities. A 40-hour work week is tough enough, so make sure it’s a job you that you don’t mind doing or better yet, that you actually like.
Once you’ve got some experience and a grip on what jobs appeal to you, it’s time to write your resume. Unlike those lengthy research papers you’ve become so familiar with, a good resume should be short, sweet and to the point. It should provide an employer a brief synopsis of your education, work experience, skills and achievements. Since you are new to the workforce, it should not exceed one page in length, unless your experience merits it.
Next, you’ll want to write a smooth cover letter. Your cover letter functions as a prelude to your resume, offering you a platform to pitch yourself to prospective employers. It should include a personal introduction, indicate the position you’re applying for, express interest in the company, and expand upon (not just repeat) the skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the job. Finally, your cover letter should fit nicely on one page with ample margin space.
Once your resume and cover letter are complete, it’s time to make your debut to the job market. There are a number of ways to do that—from uploading your resume to job boards and applying to online job postings, to targeting specific employer Web sites and applying to posted positions or e-mailing your resume to their HR department. While it may be tempting to send out a blanket distribution of your resume, it’s not wise. Instead, research each company and job description. Then, modify your resume and cover letter to appeal to each position.
Now that you are faced with the quickly approaching end to your college career, it’s time to apply what you learned to the workplace. Make it count. Your career is a blank slate. It can be everything you want it to be, it’s all up to you. So, take this information and get experience, network, write your resume, prepare a cover letter, post it to job boards and e-mail it to employers. Go out there and make it happen! Good luck!
CollegeGrad.com released the results of its survey on what employers want most in hiring new college grads. What is most important to entry level employers – the college you graduated from? Your GPA? Or what you majored in? According to the survey results, the answer may surprise you.
The criteria that the employers ranked as most important are as follows: #1 - The student's major (44%)
#2 - The student's interviewing skills (18%)
#3 - The student's internship/experience (17%)
#4 - The college the student graduated from (10%)
#5 - Other miscellaneous qualifications (5%)
#6 - The student's GPA (4%)
#7 - The student's personal appearance (1%)
#8 - The student's computer skills (1%)
What do you think? Is that in line with what you thought would be rated as important to employers? Is there anything that wasn't included that should be considered? Let me know your thoughts...
When I first moved out of my parents’ home and into my own apartment, I thought I had made it. I was on my own at last, away from prying eyes and ears of my over-involved family. My friends could come and go as they pleased, and the décor could be as vulgar as my young, brash heart dared to allow. For six months, I lived it up and as the evenings gradually became my mornings; my humble abode began to resemble a toxic waste dump! I came to the realization that living under my own auspices wasn’t going to work unless a few drastic changes were made. I had my folks step in, and now, my floors are swept, my bed is made, and I’ve figured out that doing dishes is a great way to create counter space.
The moral of my story? It’s always good to have people with a little more experience at this whole “life” thing on your side. As a recent high school graduate, memories of your first date, first day of high school, and your first all-nighter are probably fresh enough in your mind for you to appreciate how uniquely harrowing each of these experiences were. Imagine how much more unpleasant these transitional periods would have been without a parent, friend, or significant other helping you to pull through. Scary thought, eh?
Your next big step – getting your career started – looms ahead, and going into your job search unassisted won’t just be unpleasant – it could be an absolute nightmare! Fortunately, with the help of a recruiter, you’ll sleep a little easier at night. When the going gets tough, recruiters can be your best ally, offering advice on everything from how to format your cover letter to providing insight to the job landscape. They can also help you determine what your skill set is and where to best apply it – think a more sophisticated version of that career aptitude test you may have taken in high school. Once you’ve set your sights on a particular type of job, a recruiter can guide you to the market that best suits your needs, ensuring that no matter how demanding a profession you enter, you’ll be reasonably within your comfort zone.
The perilous journey to gainful, fulfilling employment has bested many a recent graduate. However, armed with a good recruiter, you’ll likely reach your destination unscathed. As for the others – they can move back in with their parents.
I read a great post on BullsEyeResumes blog discussing job search strategies for college students. Enjoy!
Finding a Job In this Recession With mounting job losses on Wall Street college students, Class of 2009 primarily, might be thinking about what may be in store for them next spring. Bill Carson, director of the Center for Career Development at Morgan State University, offers these tips for a successful job search in a recession. (Read the complete article here)
- Use all the campus resources available to you. The college career center staff can share resume writing tips, interview preparation help and just general job search resources. - Explore global careers and overseas job options. Not all foreign opportunities require employees to be proficient in a foreign language. - Expand your network. Make sure to reach out to family members, prior employers and even alumni of your university. - Sign up for professional associations. Many professional associations have student rates that are an absolute bargain. Take advantage of them while in school. - Sharpen your interview skills. Get some help with behavioral interviews and panel interviews. - Go government. Look for federal and state employment opportunities. - Follow up on all the leads you receive. - Be careful when preparing your resume and job search documents.
In a tight economy, expect that a successful job search might take up to a year. Start now!
glassdoor provides students w/ company sneak peaks
I just read a great post on Cheezhead's blog outlining a new resource thats been made available for active job-seeking college students.
Glassdoor a workplace community that encourages users to leave information about salary, perks, and advice about companies, is opening their doors to students and career service professionals.
With a valid .edu email account, students will be allowed free access for one year to Glassdoor’s site with the ability to access salary details and company reviews for more than 11,000 potential employers in 80 countries.
I uploaded my resume to the PRSSA website, and I am going to as many networking events as possible. I went to dinner last night with my professors and some people in the PR industry, which was both interesting and informative.
I also need to start preparing for comps, which happen in the end of March.
in conclusion, life is getting stressful. I'm going to the gym.
My sorority had Spring Recruitment a couple weeks ago. So much preparation goes into three days of recruitment parties. We had recruitment workshops, we had to buy specific outfits and go through an outfit check, and we had to learn how to act and treat our potential new members. I realized that preparing for recruitment was like learning how to handle yourself at a business party, or even what and what not to say in an interview. We were taught different strategies for making conversation, and what things to look for in the girls that will most benefit our organization.
We have already started our recruitment workshops for the fall. Everything about being in a sorority is preparing you for jobs after college. It also looks really good on Grad school applications, so that's a plus.
All in all I'm really happy about my decision to join and love all the wonderful girls I have met along the way.
Recruitment was long, hard and stressful but we wound up getting 12 new girls that I adore :)
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