While college graduation is something to be celebrated, it often comes with a level of anxiety. How do you enter the working world with limited experience, and are you doomed to a series of disappointing entry-level jobs that have nothing to do with your degree? While not everyone can step into a dream job right after graduation, you can take steps to move along your career path more quickly by following these tips.
1. Use Your Research Skills
While in college, you spent a lot of time and money developing superb research skills. Put them to work in your quest for your dream job by researching the industry you want to enter. Research specific companies that you might want to work for, and learn who the key players are at each company. If graduation is still on the horizon, take classes that make you more qualified for your chosen career.
2. Be Willing to Grow Into Your Dream Job
You may not be prepared for your dream job right after you graduate, so look for companies that let you grow into the position. When considering job offers or places to apply, pay attention not just to starting salary and benefits but also to opportunities for advancement within the company. Find out whether the company supports professional development.
3. Conduct Informational Interviews
Finding your dream job typically requires making connections with people who are in a position to hire you. While you may not be ready right out of college to interact with these people as colleagues, most higher-ups in a company are willing to offer advice and the benefit of their experience to young people getting started. Set up informational interviews to help you with your research, and stay in touch with the people you meet.
4. Expand Your Network
The key to getting any good job, whether your dream or not, is constantly expanding your personal network. Attend industry events, exchange contact information with people you meet at all levels, and follow up with everyone you meet.
5. Don't Expect Your Path to Be Straight
Very few people experience the luxury of starting down a post-college career path that leads straight to their ideal job. Stay flexible enough to pay attention to other interesting doors that open, trusting that everything eventually works out if you keep moving forward and growing. Be prepared to take giant risks, which are often more feasible and lucrative when taken right out of college.
6. Showcase Yourself
Whether you're job hunting or already have a job, you can always be creating side projects that show off your talents and skills. Whether you create your own Web series or throw your efforts into a major fundraiser for a local charity, keep active in ways that lead toward your ideal job, and make sure to list all these side projects on your resume.
College graduation opens a door that leads to the rest of your life and career. While you must keep expectations reasonable, actively working toward your dream job and taking proactive steps to stay on track is important once you've graduated.
Photo courtesy of bplanet at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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