I recently graduated, but I'm facing feelings of inadequacy.

Jas,

Everyone has to start somewhere! I have seen way too many people continue with their educations rather than face the cold hard realities of the real world. Don't be one of them! A Master's degree without real world professional experience isn't likely to get you any better opportunities. Some people actually realize they are in the wrong field once they start working! If you decide later on to go back to school, it could be that your employer will offer tuition assistance - always nice to have!

Without more info on what your degree is in and what the job offer is, it is difficult to be more specific with advice. I will tell you that in today's working world, many people change jobs every 2-5 years. I'd recommend staying with this for 18 months, and then start looking! Also, start working on your resume prior to that. There are certain skills that we call "transferable skills." These are skills that relate to both the job you are doing and the job you are applying for. It could be customer service, office management, or any number of things. Sometimes it takes creativity to draw a connection between the two - I worked with a young lady who had a fast food background and wanted to work at a doggy daycare facility - both of these jobs placed an emphasis on infectious disease control (just in different contexts!)

At the same time, don't distance yourself from your chosen profession. You want to stay connected, and stay current. Networking, seminars, trade shows, etc. Find a way to keep tied in to it! Also, a box of business cards cost $10. If you will be networking, get some cards printed. They don't have to be fancy, but say something about yourself, provide a phone number, email, and hopefully a link to an on-line resume.

(p.s. I was a parking lot cashier (for a gov't agency) while going through school. It wasn't until a year after graduating that I got my first professional position - hang in there!)

Hi Jas. EVERYONE has feelings of inadequacy. That is a universal emotion. "Am I good enough" "Have I tried hard enough?" "Should I be doing more?" That haunted me during my career, and if they were honest I'd guess most all folks had those kinds of thoughts.

So, take stock.

You have a college degree. That alone shows potential employers you were adequate enough to do that, so you can probably do the job they are offering.

And a ton of people get out of college and need to take positions less than what they were hoping for initially. Often in an unrelated field. You are not alone.

Here's how to set yourself apart from that crowd an begin to get opportunities you are hoping for. First, volunteer for something in the field you want to work. This is career-oriented volunteering, not necessarily volunteering with a charity. Find the trade association that is related to the field you want to work in....nearly ALL trades and occupations have a trade association. Contact ones of interest and simply ask about volunteer opportunities in their field.

Second, and actually concurrently with the first. Do professional networking. Anytime you can say something to the effect "I'm looking to start (further, expand, etc) my career in ____________ (your field). Do you know of anyone it makes sense for me to contact in this regard?" You may get a lot of "Nopes" But it only takes one or two; "Well, you know, you might contact X at a company I know"

Jas...you are experiencing very normal concerns. Don;t worry too much, but set goals and go after them. Good luck , my friend. I have a hunch you'll do well.