Freaked out about graduating? You are not alone. With graduation comes the fear
and sheer terror associated with finding a job so you can make a place for yourself
in this world. But what happens when all you hear on the news are lay offs, recessions
and economic turmoil? It doesn't raise your confidence level at all! At times you
probably wish graduation gifts included secure employment. Fear not matriculators
– there are tools to try and truths to remember that will increase your chances
of getting a job (or at least help you remain positive in that in between stage).
-
There's an upside coming
Right now, there is nowhere to go but up. It may take some time to find a job, but
the looming economic recovery brings with it growth within companies, new industries
and therefore many opportunities to advance quickly. Remain patient but diligent
and opportunities will open up for you.
-
A break is in order
Graduating is the perfect excuse to give yourself a break. You just subjected yourself
to four years (sometimes longer) of quizzes, exams, thesis papers, midterms, finals
and all night study sessions. Before jumping into a career (often times one that
you may not even want) take this very rare opportunity you have to travel. A career
can, quite literally, dictate the structure of your life, much like school did –
and using this time to travel, learn about new cultures and see new places is something
you will look back on in old age as the best thing you ever did. Short on money?
Not an issue. There are countless places you can go, such as South America and Thailand,
that are cheap.
-
Relying less on money and more on yourself is a virtue
Ever read Into the Wild by Jon Krajauer? Here is some homework for you. Go read
that book and find out how one student managed without money. No need to go to extremes,
but if you can learn how to function without spending so much money (make clothing,
learn to cook on a dime) you will be better off now and when you have pockets full
of change.
-
It's a great time to learn a new skill
Everything you learned in school was great. But those skills are also only about
50% of what you will ever use in your career. Take this free time you have and enroll
in a public speaking course for those future jobs as a major executive. Read books
on communication skills - most career successes are based on ones level of mastery
in the art of communicating with people. Learn how to surf or train for a marathon
– the commitment skills you will learn are invaluable. Whatever skill you
choose to learn, keep it fun and you are sure to enter the career world one-step
ahead and extremely well rounded.
-
You can work for yourself first – others later
There is no better time than now to work for yourself and the tools of modern technology make it easier than ever. Are you a writer? Why wait for a publishing house or advertising agency to call you. Use online tools to create your own Web site and learn how to promote your best asset – you. Photographer? Use word of mouth and sales techniques (remember those communication skills we talked about?) to shoot every wedding and special event in your area. Be your own boss. Take charge of your life. You don’t need a boss and a huge company to make your mark.