Tag Archives: college

GUEST POST: So You Got That College Degree—What Should You Do Now?

Applying For Jobs, In Transition, , , , , , , , , , , ,
What To Do After Getting Your College Degree
Photo by Lauren Bates

You’ve earned a college degree (congrats!) and have been out of school a few years. Now you fall into one of these 6 categories. Pick one:

  1. I have a job and I am willing to do what it takes to advance. There is no indication that my job is one that I enjoy or love.
  2. I just don’t know what to do. I am still working at the job that I had when I graduated. I’ve applied to over 200 jobs and have not heard from anyone.
  3. I am still at home with Mom and Dad and fighting because I yearn to break out on my own!
  4. I’m living a secure life. I have a nice cushy job but my job lacks passion. I have a family; I travel; my kids are enrolled in the best schools; and on the outside I look great! My job, however, lacks focus and direction.
  5. Uhhh, maybe I will take my degree and join the military. I am sure that the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines will take me. Perhaps the Coast Guard or the Army National Guard surely would—after all, I have a degree.
  6. I love my job, but I can hardly buy groceries. I am grossly underpaid.

In each scenario, it appears that each graduate has failed to become a subject matter expert on his or her own career. If it’s to be, then it is surely up to YOU.

Here are a few quick suggestions on how to change your multiple choice selection:

  1. If you have a job and you can’t wait to advance, continue in it but develop your talents by seeking out and partnering with a mentor to help you to steer your talents.
  2. Follow companies, professional industries and recruiters via Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to help steer your talents, passions, and interests.
  3. Start with your alumni career center. Then progress to the One Stop Career Centers. Then see the services offered by the Department of Labor career and job search services.
  4. Don’t settle. Leverage your talents by working with a professional career coach to get assistance on merging your skills with a job/career track that fits your heart’s desire. See Career Directors International, The National Resume Writer’s Association, or Career Thought Leaders for recommendations.
  5. If your only reason to join the military is that you can’t think of any other options to suit your skills, interests, and talents, well…maybe they want you and maybe they don’t. You may be sorry if you jump into the military for that sole reason. Then again, the military offers hidden gems such as sign on bonuses, advanced positions based on your degree, additional educational bonuses, and two, four, and six-year commitments. So on the other hand, check out your options. And if you decide to do it, thank you in advance for your service.
  6. Join a professional association and leverage your unique skills to garner consulting opportunities, blogging gigs (paid), and advancement within the profession. Take this free copy of Supercharge Your Job Search http://bit.ly/1cH3GPM.

About the Author:
Debra Ann Matthews is a resume’ writing specialist and owner of Let Me Write It For You. If your resume’ is not getting you the interviews you are working so hard for, contact Debra at letmewriteitforyou@gmail.com, or connect with her online:
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College Students: Why You Should Do An Internship While You Can

Getting Started, , , , , , , , ,

intern, internship, internships, student, networking, career, planning, preparation, college, university
Photo by Geoff Duncan

Being a student fresh out of college in this day and age is more challenging than ever. I worked summers and during Christmas break during college because I needed the money as I’m sure all students do. And I coveted my study and free time during the semesters and never did an internship.

Although most are unpaid, an internship is one of the best ways to meet, work and network with movers and shakers in your field of study…not to mention giving hiring managers a taste of the great work you do and your reliability, creativity, and work ethic. Side note, at least here in Nashville, I know frequently that there are actually more companies wanting interns than there are students wanting to intern! Go supply and demand!

Students should do an internship at one of their top target companies if they can afford the opportunity cost. If you need to work a paying job during college, try doing the internship the summer before your final year. Or better, consider interning during your last semester. Make sure to contact the companies you’re considering in late summer to check if a Spring-only internship is an option, since some may only offer a Fall+Spring option. This way you won’t be blindsided and miss the boat on a great opportunity.

You’ll get firsthand real world knowledge at a company ideally in the department in which you’ll be working once you graduate. This could help you have an advantage over those applicants unknown to the company and earn you a full time job after graduation. Even if you are not hired on after, a reference from your manager as well as opportunities to network during the internship can be valuable tools in efforts toward a solid first job. You could meet someone at another company that may end up hiring you down the road. At worst, you will be able to start building your network.

You seasoned folks, what other advice do you have for forward-thinking college students on preparing for a career? Please comment.
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