What can recent
graduates expect in this difficult economy and shrinking job market?
New
graduates can expect to make job hunting their full time job. Get up, get
dressed, get going, and get actively involved in the job search process. This
will not only increase your chance for finding an opportunity but will also
help you with some of the psychological pitfalls of being unemployed. Develop a
marketing campaign and be prepared to promote yourself. Create a portfolio,
which the Career Services department can help you with. Develop patience, and
don't internalize and personalize rejection. New graduates will need to be more
flexible when it comes to relocation. Your new career opportunity may not
always be close to home or in the geographical area of your first choice. Think
outside the industry that you might typically get your first job. There
may be an opportunity for you to use your skills in an environment that wasn't
focused on in school.
What advice can you
give graduates for the best chance of landing a job?
Don't
depend entirely on the Internet for finding employment. It's only one
resource. Remember to socialize and network. If things get really tough,
consider an internship, contract assignment or volunteering your services to
build your experience (this also helps to build self esteem and self worth).
Is it better to
take any job-even serving coffee at Starbucks-than not to have a job and to be only
looking for one?
I understand that new grads need money, however, I caution against doing this
because you can easily get "stuck." It's difficult to devote your time to
marketing yourself for your career if you're working full time serving coffee. Plus, if you are stuck pouring up the latest
exotic brew what happens to the skills you dedicated the last four plus years
of your life learning?
What resources
are available to college grads?
Don't
forget the Career Services Department! There are professionals here who are eager
to assist you. If you have relocated to another city or state, many schools
will offer (typically free of charge) reciprocity career services to you. Pink
slip parties, Internet resources, job fairs, professors, family and friends all
are good resources. Let people know you are looking. Staffing
agencies/placement firms can also can also be good resources. Just make sure
you do your research and work with a reputable company. Also, beware of any
opportunity that comes across your way that sounds too good to be true...it
probably is. Unfortunately there are opportunists who prey on the naivety
of inexperienced individuals.
Any other
advice?
Always
be professional-you never know who is watching. Your attitude and behavior are
a reflection of who you are. The skills you use outside of school (communication,
team-work, relationships, leadership, etc) also transition to your work
environment. During your job search treat every occasion you have to interact
with other people (including the Internet) as a networking opportunity. By
leaving a positive impression you will be the person that first comes to mind
when an opportunity becomes available.
