From Benjamin: “I graduated college in May 2009 with an A GPA from a top 50 school. My first job was a 100% commission based commercial real estate sales job in NYC. I lasted 9 months before I left without making a dime. Its been about 4 months now, and I havnt been able to find a paying salary job.”
“It is like I am either over qualified or under qualified for everything. I just turned 25, and I don’t know what to do. Law school? MBA program? I’m lost and afraid because I wasted almost 2 years of my time and have no savings to show from it. Your advice would help.”
If you’re a recent college graduate with a good job, let us know how you found that job…
ryan says
I agree that it is tough getting started in today’s workforce, especially in what seems like a greater pool of applicants each year.
It is almost common knowledge in today’s world that a resume demonstrates solid grades and a few extra-curricular activities which reflects hard-work, character, intelligence…etc. So, the question becomes how do you differentiate yourself?
I think there are two common mistakes during the four years that hurts qualified candidates when applying for a job or a grad school. First, once you graduate you are asked to act like a professional from day one and expected to have high energy each day. Internships are the driving force behind employers on whether to hire one candidate instead of another. And experience is best way to prove to an employer that you are better than the next candidate even though the resumes are similar. Also, on a side note I find it is important to make sure you are ready to work. The majority of students graduate at 21 and never had time off in ‘life.’ Starting a job one month out of college is very difficult because there is no more long summers or school vacations once you begin your career.
Second, network with your alumni. Alumni have the key to open doors and will give the opportunity to prove yourself in interviews. The more interviews you participate in the better you feel when asked questions.
Good Luck and hope this advice helps…
Kerry says
All “Top 50” schools have a “Top 50” career development office. Go back and use its services and tap the school’s connections. Sounds silly, but the consideration of law school OR business school indicates you lack a focus – they are such different programs.
Why not take a year or two and work for the Peace Corps or take a teaching job in an inner city? The time spent doing something like that bolsters your resume, shows a strong level of commitment to others, and gives you time to mature. You can spend the two years considering your next move and codify exactly what you want to do in your life.
Whatever you do, do not be idle! Volunteer in your community and take a part-time/temp job. It’s easier to obtain a job while you have a job. Make it a goal to send out one email or make one call a day to friends and family who might be able to help you in your quest. Seek advice – hey, you did that here! Good luck.
Bruce says
Great stuff, @ryan and @Kerry!
DorisC says
I sympathize with your situation. My son graduated from college and ended up in the same situation you find yourself in now. The solution I gave him was go to temp agency. He was able to secure a job (temp to perm) and actually was hired by the company once the 3 month temp period was over. It was not his “career choice” but he ended up making more money than most of his friends (22$ and hour plus benefits) Once he “did his time” he was able to advance and secure a position that was more desirable to him.
Many companies now a days use temp agencies to find their employees. If it does not work out, they are not obligated to pay unemployment benefits,health benefits and go through the hassle of the interview process. It is all done for them by the temp agency.
One more thing, do not be discouraged by the pay scale while temping…..these companies pay 6 to 10 dollars or more an hour for the agencies services, but if they hire you, it will be at a much better rate than what you received as a temp.
This also benefits the job hunter, if you don’t like the assignment, you are not obligated to stay, and it won’t be a blemish on your resume, as you are considered an employee of the agency, not the company you temp at. Good luck!!
Bruce says
MORE great advice – thanks Doris!
Terri Lane says
What field are you looking to get a job in? The company I work at for my day job is hiring; not great pay, but fantastic networking opportunities and you can gain experience in sales and marketing in the energy sector. Look me up on LinkedIn if this is in your field. Terri Lane
Bruce says
Wow, Terri – that is SO nice of you…