What is the harderst part about getting a job after college?

Hi Ursala,

It is completely normal to feel a bit scared about starting your career. Here is the good news; if you don't like the first job or career you get into, you can always change it. We live in a new era where it is normal and expected to change positions/employers every 2-3 years. What is important is that you are certain of what you are looking to achieve with your career(s). Sure, financial stability is one of the most important features (that is why we all work right?), but what else do you want your career to provide you with?

To be able to figure this out, you will want to look internally at what your values are in life and create a personal inventory. Do you value creativity, adventure, collaboration, stability, competition, integrity, trust, authenticity, etc.? If you don't correctly align your career goals with your personal values and standards, you will create a dissonance that will cause a great deal of stress and unhappiness, no matter how much you make. If you are having a hard time figuring out what your values are, Google a list of values and try each one on for size. After creating a personal inventory, rank these values and pick your top 5. Use these top 5 to dictate what your career goals are going to be. Are you wanting to lead others, be an innovator, support others, or create efficiency?

Once you are able to clearly define what your values and career goals are, you will want to compare how potential employers encompass and support your development in these areas. You will want to research the history of the companies, reviews current employees provide, the reputation it has in the marketplace, and what their overall mission, vision, and purpose is. If you find it is difficult for you to connect to the mission of the company and job duties, it is not going to be a good fit. When companies are concerned with the development and growth of their employees, it is more likely that you will work harder for them and enjoy your daily work.

If you are able to implement these strategies, I'm confident you will find something you enjoy. You may always reach out to me if you would like some more helpful tips.

Warmly,
Danielle

Hi there!

I'd say the fact that you are scared speaks volumes about how much weight you actually put on your future success, performance and accomplishments. And that's just wonderful. I know many, many people who have actually switched careers at every stage of their life and any type of uncertainty or change can be scary and very uncomfortable - I totally get that (I myself am going through a pretty scary work phase at the moment). I think the hardest part of getting out there in the "real world" is assuming it's easy to find the job of your dreams and to truly stand out of the crowd.

Good news is that every employer wants nothing more than a passionate, hard working, dedicated individual who is willing to perform well. They will love that you are excited about the job and the field. How are you going to stand out? My best recommendation to you is don't be scared - be prepared. And by that I mean, yes, have an awesome resume and cover letter, but don't just rely on those marketing tools to get you in -- practice some key interviewing essentials. Your resume will get you an interview but YOU will be getting yourself the job. Go online and find the top interview questions and be prepared to answer questions like (why do you want this job? What are your strengths? What makes you right for this job? What are your weakness, etc). Practice them out loud if front of your mirror. If you don't have online access, I can send you top interview question examples.

Secondly, have a two minute "elevator speech" about who you are, your key strengths and what you want to do. Use it as often as you can. Depending on the field you want to get into, I'd also highly recommend NETWORKING with other people in that field. Guaranteed someone you know (think of your family members, neighbors, other adults, teachers, etc) knows someone else who knows someone in that field. If you are going into marketing, for example, you have now just connected with me (so you know at least one!). Even if it's a few degrees removed and you have never met that person, reach out - explain who you are and ask for a simple informational conversation. You have no idea where they might lead and you will be surprised at how many people are willing to talk to you, connect you with others and talk about the profession.

Above all, be AUTHENTIC and have confidence and remember an important thing: this is a two-way street. You want to get a job, but know your value. They need to "win" you over as well. So learn about the company, have a few facts in your back pocket (example: I was really impressed to read an article about your company and what your blank department did with blank..). Hope these small tips helped ease your angst a bit. I'm more than happy to answer any specific or more questions you may have about interviewing, resumes or about marketing or editing, etc. There are so many ways to go about these fields, some are surprising and unexpected. Best of luck to you -- you will be just FINE!

Stefania

The hardest part about getting a job after college is simply getting a job unfortunately. You will leave college so prepared to get out there in the world to start your career, but physically getting that job is the hardest part. You may need to move, or may even need to get a job outside of your field until you find the right job.

I was an average student at a public university and had a hard major to find a job with post-college. I graduated in August 2017 with a 3.3 and majored in English. I currently am a staffing specialist that does nothing related to my job. This is okay. As long as you continue learning about yourself in your search for your perfect career, then you're doing it right.