The most significant concern of current college students / graduates is, "How will I find a job in the current economy?" Here are several thoughts to consider (Contact me at bill@bagleyconsulting with any questions / concerns):
- Unless you have a specialized academic major that is aligned with a current critical career field (accounting; engineering; nursing; medical research; military, etc.) the chances of finding job opportunities in the immediate term are going to be challenging.
- Do research on which cities have the lowest unemployment rate and might offer the best chance of locating a job. Apply / interview in these locations.
- Don't necessarily worry about finding a job specific to your academic preparation...just find a JOB.
- Prospective employers will respect the fact that you WORKED during a difficult economic time, regardless of the type of job.
- Some of the most successful people toiled at hard-labor jobs or monotonous jobs at some point in their lives.
- No matter the type of job you work, you will always learn something that will aid in your personal development.
- I see 'Help Wanted' signs every place I travel. There are needs out there.
- Think about 'Community Service' opportunities...paid or voluntary. Just get the experience.
- If you have a unique academic major that limits your ability to locate a job even in the best of times, you might want to consider post-graduate work...or attending college long enough to acquire another more 'demand' academic major. For instance, Finance is a somewhat limiting major right at the moment. Taking a few additional classes to get an Accounting major might make you a bit more marketable.
- Brush up on your Interviewing Skills. You can purchase a copy of my 'Impact Interviewing' book by going to my website http://www.bagleyconsulting.com/ . This is no time to be an average 'interviewee.'
- The best way to locate job opportunities is through a 'network.' Contact people you know, who your folks know, and who others in your network know to try to find opportunities.
- Getting a Masters Degree is not always the answer. You might incur additional debt, yet not become any more martketable than you are now. Explore this option carefully before you commit to more debt.
- Nursing, the Military, and Teaching are career fields that are in great need of assistance. See if you have an interest or qualify.
- Having Military experience is always a great 'attractor' for corporate recruiters.
- Being someone who contributes to the 'Community' is a great plus when you are being considered for employment.
- Work is honorable, no matter the type.
- Men: Put on a suit, white shirt, and tie...polish your shoes...make copies of your resume...and 'hit the pavement.' Women: Put on a suit, conservative blouse, scarf (if you choose to do so...or not), dress shoes...make copies of your resume...and 'hit the pavement.' Go to employers and ask to see HR. Shake hands, leave your resume, and let them know you are happy to assist in any way.
More on this subject tomorrow. Please send me questions / concerns you might have at( bill@bagleyconsulting.com ).
Thanks,
Bill
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PLEASE GO TO MY WEBSITE www.bagleyconsulting.com TO PURCHASE ANY OF 3 GUIDEBOOKS THAT PROVIDE SPECIFIC ASSISTANCE TO CRITICAL COLLEGE / CAREER AREAS:
· NAVIGATING TOWARD ACADEMIC AND CAREER SUCCESS (Preparing for and selecting a college just right for you)
· WHY ACCOUNTING? (Why ‘Accounting’ is an excellent academic major)
· IMPACT INTERVIEWING (Interview skills that win you that scholarship / internship / job offer)
Good advice. I like the comments that it's important to get a job, any job, get some experience and learn something about yourself, as well as realize that all jobs have merit.
ReplyDeleteWhat advice do you give to a student who wants to follow their talents and interests, which will probably mean a major that will not make someone super marketable right out of college? i.e. liberal arts major My son, in particular, is terrible at math and is definitely not going to major in something math/accounting/engineering related.
Audrey
ReplyDeleteI majored in History...that was my real interest. My career focus was sales. Most sales positions are open to liberal arts majors...as long as you have the personality and necessary people skills. I eventually went to grad school so I could enter the Student Personnel Administration field (Masters in Higher Education). A position as Career Planning and Placement Director led to an opportunity as an HR and Recruiting Manager and eventually to a Regional HR Director. Sales is one of those fields that keeps itself open to liberal arts folks. Production Management and Business Management roles are sometimes open to liberal arts majors as well. Slim pickings in today's economy.
Bill