Getting A Good Job After College Graduation After A Rough Start
By Kayla Matthews
There it is: That beautiful, scripted piece of paper that represents all of your hard work for the last several years. That diploma, which adorns your wall as a faithful reminder that you can make your life something better with your degree, sits and collects dust.
It’s true. A number of college grads who step out into the workforce don’t do so in the field they studied. In fact, the real world is full of all sorts of topsy-turvy concepts, like English majors crunching numbers (Is that ever a good idea?) and Master’s degree recipients flipping burgers.
This doesn’t mean, however, that your degree is worthless — so don’t lose heart or even question that for a second. The experience gained from your years in college are worth far more than that 20-pound piece of cardstock can relay.
But what if your first job out of college isn’t your dream job and pays minimum wage?
It’s not the end of the road for you. Not even close.
Should you find yourself in a job that doesn’t closely resemble any of the papers you spent all night writing, square your shoulders and figure out a way to work the jobs you want, even when you don’t have the job you want.
Make a Long-term Plan
Few things are forever, and your current job definitely doesn’t need to be. If your start into the job world wasn’t quite as you planned, sketch a new plan. Build in small, achievable goals that will help you get where you want to be long-term. Consider shadowing or talking to others in the areas you’d like to work, in order to figure out how they got where they are. You never know if their path can help you define your own.
Volunteer
Sometimes, the only thing standing between you and your future career is experience. What better way to gain it than through volunteering? Groups like the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps are highly regarded and look great on a resume. Not to mention the fact that you’ll be able to change lives and travel the world by joining.
Become a Freelancer
While you may not have found a use for those stellar skills just yet, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still try to use them. Consider becoming a freelancer to beef up your portfolio and gain some tangible experience. Freelancers have the ability to choose the projects they’ll take on and set the rates that suit their lifestyles.
Keep ApplyingThe job search process can be difficult, that’s for sure, but 2016 graduates are expected to be hired five percent more than 2015 graduates were. So keep in mind that every “no” is one step closer to a “yes.” Don’t give up on looking for that dream job — keep sending out your resume and be sure to modify or tailor it (along with your cover letter) to the job you’re applying for.
Glean What You Can
This experience, whether you want to admit it or not, is good for you. As financial experts still expect some struggles for the economy going forward, the amount of time you spend in your first job will be hard to gauge. It may be cruddy where you’re at, and you may hate parts of your job, but try looking for those teachable moments that are all around you. Whether it’s a co-worker who really knows how to sell, or the one who can make even the craziest customers calm, learn what you can from them. You never know when those skills will come in handy in future positions.
You may not hold the exact job position that you want. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t work towards your dream job. Gain experience, make a long-term plan and talk to people in the field to narrow down your future path. You never know where your first job may lead!
Kayla Matthews writes about college life and student productivity for Hack College, Student Advisor and The Huffington Post. Follow her on Twitter @KaylaEMatthews.
