Tag Archives: professional association

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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MUCHO MONDAYS – Fiesta!: After You Have Your New Job, A Checklist

After Landing The Job, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

benefits, insurance, evaluation, celebration, considerations, alerts, professional association, LinkedIn, filter, budget, vacation time, volunteering, networking, network, colleagues, friends, family, headhunters, doctor
Photo by Maria Elisa Duque

Congratulations! All your hard work, networking, resume’ writing, and everything else you’ve worked so hard for in your position as a marketer of yourself has paid off! But before you simply show up for the first day with your briefcase and Scooby Doo lunchbox in hand, here are some reminders that should ease the transition into your new job.

BEFORE THE FIRST DAY
• If you have certain things you always bring from home (photos, office supplies, notes) box those up and have them ready to bring with you day one.
• If you have kids, plan with your spouse who will do what based on the hours/days of your new position.
• Follow any instructions your new company has given you, and return any forms they’ve asked you to complete.

DURING
• Turn off job postings alerts from sites like indeed, careerbuilder, and beyond.com (and de-activate your resume’) as well as those you have set up with job boards at any professional association sites. Change pref’s to stop or reduce any communiqué coming from LinkedIn.
• Set email filters at job posting groups of which you’re a member to direct those to the Trash.
• Delete all your recurrent events on your calendar.
• Give your new work phone number to your spouse, etc. Get your supervisor’s office and (if it is appropriate) cell phone numbers into your phone.
• Figure out your new budget after receiving your first check.
• Treat yourself! You’ve worked hard for months. Buy something from your Wantlist.
• Find out about how to set up direct deposit. Make sure you understand your vacation time and benefits. Set up things like insurance and employee retirement funds when the time comes. Cancel any independent insurance policies you’re on.
• Meet as many people as you can early on. Not only is this beneficial in case you have questions about something, but it helps build goodwill and fit you into the family and culture of the company. Try to understand the hierarchy as you go.
• Volunteer for some things as you see opportunities arise. I was asked to judge a dessert contest—boy, was someone dead on with that one!
• Alert your headhunters that you have a job and to change your status to Inactive (but not delete you from their system.) Thank them for their help.

AFTER THE 90-DAY MARK
• Email (at least bulk) your networking colleagues to thank them for their help and let them know where you landed and what your title is.
• Facebook or email your friends and family to do the same.
• Clean up your Job folder in your email. You could delete any messages 9 months or older.
• Add the new job to your LinkedIn profile & update your Headline and if relevant, your City and Industry.
• Schedule any doctor or dentist appointments you may have been putting off.
• Update your profile at any professional organizations of which you’re a member.
• Don’t throw all your network out the window. Try to attend at least one networking event a month.
• (From day 1 forward) keep track of your accomplishments