So you are ready to put your college education to work, maybe it has been a year or more since you graduated and you are feeling overwhelmed and have no idea where to start. You might also be thinking, this job I have now is paying, my rent is low (especially if you are living at home) and it is the holidays a time to relax and celebrate. But you know you can hear the nagging voice of someone near and dear to you (maybe your parents) asking the question when are you going to get a "REAL" job.
Sadly, there is no blueprint in today's work world for getting a job after college, which seems odd considering there are all sorts of consultants and guides on how to get into college. So here are a few tips that might help you re-launch your job search. First, re-connect with people (not via email, text message) pick up the phone or make a personal visit to the place you interned at, visit your college professors, or previous employers. Second, attend industry events, they are out there for you to hear people speak about important things in your industry. This applies to anyone regardless if you are in sales, nursing, marketing, IT, film industry, pay the small fee and sit and listen to what people in your industry are saying and network with your peers. Attending these events and listening to people speak does two things; it ensures you know what is happening and it gives you something to talk about when you go into an interview. Third, sit down and document what makes you stand out from the thousands of twenty something recent college graduates seeking a job in your industry.
Initially, you may be paralyzed by the process but do not give in to the temptation to do nothing get started in January. It will take hard work but with focus on re-connecting with people, by attending seminars/industry events and by writing down what makes you unique you will be amazed by how quickly you begin to make progress. I can tell you that progress, even a tiny step gets you moving in the right direction toward your new career.
