7 answers
Khalya
Student
Fairburn, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
674 views
I want a Job, but not sure where to go when I've been everywhere?
Why don't business give high school graduates that have had some work experience a chance to prove their work ethics? I'm an honor graduate, I play the saxophone and it's been a lot now since I've been laid off from my job and it's driving my mom nuts! My previous job I truly enjoyed as a Clinical Research Technician where I work with a great group of people. I'm working towards my Associates at Georgia Military College because my mom could not afford to send me to Stetson University where I had scholarships, and one household income is a struggle for my mom. So, I'm taking a slower route but I'm in need of employment within my field.
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7 answers
Kendra W.
Data Analytics/ Operations
19
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Kendra’s Answer
Honestly- it's okay to take the slow route. I think 75% of my friends from college graduated with a 4 year degree with one field, then went back 2 or 3 years later and got certified/went back to school for a completely different career path.
It can be a waste of both time and money. Use this time to learn more about your interests, your talents, and what fields interest you the most.
That way when you are ready to go back to school for a 4-year, you can get straight into what you want to do. And who knows- maybe all you need is a 2 year degree!
I suggest for the next 1-2 years:
1. Go to your career center if your college has it, get your resume updated and see if they have any connections for open professional jobs- many businesses reach out to college campuses for recruitment.
2. Narrow down the career you want to follow (at least to 3), and job shadow those fields. (EX : music therapy, OT assistant, nursing)
3. Figure out the fastest way to get into that field- especially if it's a 2 year degree or something you can get at the community College
4. Do what needs to get done, get into that field, start working
And lastly- if you want to advance, see if your employer will do tuition assistance. Many employers offer tuition assistance or outright will cover all expenses to get an advanced degree (ex: LPN to Bsn).
Don't get in debt over something you're not sure you want, and this slower track will also help you figure out sooner if you like what you want to do.
Hope this helps!
It can be a waste of both time and money. Use this time to learn more about your interests, your talents, and what fields interest you the most.
That way when you are ready to go back to school for a 4-year, you can get straight into what you want to do. And who knows- maybe all you need is a 2 year degree!
I suggest for the next 1-2 years:
1. Go to your career center if your college has it, get your resume updated and see if they have any connections for open professional jobs- many businesses reach out to college campuses for recruitment.
2. Narrow down the career you want to follow (at least to 3), and job shadow those fields. (EX : music therapy, OT assistant, nursing)
3. Figure out the fastest way to get into that field- especially if it's a 2 year degree or something you can get at the community College
4. Do what needs to get done, get into that field, start working
And lastly- if you want to advance, see if your employer will do tuition assistance. Many employers offer tuition assistance or outright will cover all expenses to get an advanced degree (ex: LPN to Bsn).
Don't get in debt over something you're not sure you want, and this slower track will also help you figure out sooner if you like what you want to do.
Hope this helps!
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Khalya,
I know this sort of sounds counterintuitive, but. . .
if you can find a decent job, doing ANYTHING, somewhere that offers tuition assistance, it might be worth taking, even if it is not directly in your field. Besides universities, I'd also look for hospital positions.
You also may need assistance with your resume. I would check with the career placement office at the school. Sometimes marketing yourself isn't the easiest thing to do!
Depending on several factors, you may qualify for Unemployment Insurance. Requirements vary by state. You should check the website of your state's program. https://dol.georgia.gov/individuals/unemployment-benefits
Depending on overall household income, you may qualify for other benefits as well. There is no shame in applying for these programs!!
Best of luck!
I know this sort of sounds counterintuitive, but. . .
if you can find a decent job, doing ANYTHING, somewhere that offers tuition assistance, it might be worth taking, even if it is not directly in your field. Besides universities, I'd also look for hospital positions.
You also may need assistance with your resume. I would check with the career placement office at the school. Sometimes marketing yourself isn't the easiest thing to do!
Depending on several factors, you may qualify for Unemployment Insurance. Requirements vary by state. You should check the website of your state's program. https://dol.georgia.gov/individuals/unemployment-benefits
Depending on overall household income, you may qualify for other benefits as well. There is no shame in applying for these programs!!
Best of luck!
Jimil Burkhart
Software Engineer
97
Answers
Gilbert, Arizona
Updated
Jimil’s Answer
Hi Khalya,
While many high schools do not provide enough education to enter the real world, there are many opportunities for honors graduates such as yourself. Teaching saxophone lessons may be a good place to start. When nobody is willing to employ you, sometimes you have to employ yourself. Try posting ads on facebook marketplace or craigslist. Marketing yourself with low cost resources is the key to producing a profitable business at a young age. I did that when I was 17 and it worked very well. Also there are many benefits that you can apply for given your income. Filing taxes independently may increase your acceptance in low income programs as well. Generally when your parents file you as a dependent, they receive tax benefits and you don't because your low income benefits are based on their income rather than yours.
While many high schools do not provide enough education to enter the real world, there are many opportunities for honors graduates such as yourself. Teaching saxophone lessons may be a good place to start. When nobody is willing to employ you, sometimes you have to employ yourself. Try posting ads on facebook marketplace or craigslist. Marketing yourself with low cost resources is the key to producing a profitable business at a young age. I did that when I was 17 and it worked very well. Also there are many benefits that you can apply for given your income. Filing taxes independently may increase your acceptance in low income programs as well. Generally when your parents file you as a dependent, they receive tax benefits and you don't because your low income benefits are based on their income rather than yours.
claire dehaenen
Student
3
Answers
Charlotte, Michigan
Updated
claire’s Answer
I'm sorry to hear you got laid off. University of Georgia is hiring for a research technician at their university.
The job is found on Snagajob.com and I will post the link below. Best of luck!
https://www.snagajob.com/jobs/808121201?trk=bingjobs
The job is found on Snagajob.com and I will post the link below. Best of luck!
https://www.snagajob.com/jobs/808121201?trk=bingjobs
Brian Truman
Data Engineer
4
Answers
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Oh man, getting laid off never feels good. I've been in the exact same boat with struggling to get a job in my field, finish my degree, and pay bills all at the same time. I had a friend land me a job at his work and while it wasn't exactly what I was looking for in the IT field, it allowed me to pivot to better jobs down the line. See if you have any contacts at your old job that know of another open position at another company/org and have them reach out for you.
Kerwin A Thompson
Director
4
Answers
Kansas City, Missouri
Updated
Kerwin A’s Answer
Congrats on working on your Associate's degree! Consider doing volunteer work in the area of interest to see if this is the path you want to take. You will also learn new valuable skills. This will be helpful for your resume to show employers what type of work ethic you have. In addition, this will help you build your network of people who may be able to mentor you, or it could lead to an opportunity for a job.
Keisha M.
Project Manager
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Keisha’s Answer
Hi Khalya,
I am happy for you that you found something you enjoy. I also empathize with you that it is frustrating to get laid off and not have a lot of experience right now. However, as a college student with a high school degree you are uniquely positioned for paid internships and co-ops! While you are on your job hunt, look specifically for those opportunities as well. Additionally, I suggest looking for university/company fellowships in Clinical Research or adjacent field that may help you get paid research experience.
Good Luck in your pursuits!
I am happy for you that you found something you enjoy. I also empathize with you that it is frustrating to get laid off and not have a lot of experience right now. However, as a college student with a high school degree you are uniquely positioned for paid internships and co-ops! While you are on your job hunt, look specifically for those opportunities as well. Additionally, I suggest looking for university/company fellowships in Clinical Research or adjacent field that may help you get paid research experience.
Good Luck in your pursuits!