4 answers
V
Student
1
Question
Asked
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I graduated 2023 May Not finding jobs ,I have OPT ?
Have internship experience
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4 answers
Jeffrey Chan
Engineer
5
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Jeffrey’s Answer
Although you may not have landed a job of your choice right out of school, my suggestion is to start somewhere either volunteer or work somewhere locally where you can gain transferrable skills. There is nothing wrong with working at the mall, grocery/hardware store, hotel/hospitality, restaurant etc.
In 2008/2009 during the height of the recession, i've known folks who have engineering degrees who could not find jobs for 2-3 years, this was lost time. When you're working and getting paid, it does a couple of things, as mentioned above you #1 gain transferrable skills, #2 you earn a wage and contribute to your social security and #3 it shows that you're a productive person when you do apply to your career of choice.
In 2008/2009 during the height of the recession, i've known folks who have engineering degrees who could not find jobs for 2-3 years, this was lost time. When you're working and getting paid, it does a couple of things, as mentioned above you #1 gain transferrable skills, #2 you earn a wage and contribute to your social security and #3 it shows that you're a productive person when you do apply to your career of choice.
Allister Nesbitt
Technical Consultant
1
Answer
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Updated
Allister’s Answer
Hello V,
Firstly, I want to assure you that this is a common phase that every graduate encounters. Over time, I've had the privilege of guiding college students who are on a 1-year placement as part of their course. Invariably, towards the end, this question always comes up.
Here's some guidance I usually offer:
1. It's natural to envision your ideal job. However, it might be challenging to secure it without some practical business experience. I frequently suggest to candidates to seek a job within their area of interest and commit to it for at least 2 years. After this period, you could start searching for a role that truly excites you. You'll be surprised at the impact this strategy has on your employability.
2. Think about accepting a job that you can perform while you're on the hunt for a more specific role. This approach will equip you with authentic skills in areas you might not have considered, such as communication, teamwork, meeting deadlines, and essential IT skills. These are all desirable skills that can be transferred to different roles. The aim here is to enhance your appeal to potential employers.
3. It's worth considering applying for jobs that align with your final year project, as you can directly apply this experience.
4. Above all, don't lose heart. It's crucial to stay positive and learn from each application. For instance, I used to have 3 different resumes, each slightly modified to suit the specific jobs I was targeting.
I recall applying for numerous jobs after I graduated. While I was job hunting, I did some temporary lecturing at a local college for 8 hours a week. This experience significantly contributed to my first job, where I was an Electronics engineer managing a young team.
Firstly, I want to assure you that this is a common phase that every graduate encounters. Over time, I've had the privilege of guiding college students who are on a 1-year placement as part of their course. Invariably, towards the end, this question always comes up.
Here's some guidance I usually offer:
1. It's natural to envision your ideal job. However, it might be challenging to secure it without some practical business experience. I frequently suggest to candidates to seek a job within their area of interest and commit to it for at least 2 years. After this period, you could start searching for a role that truly excites you. You'll be surprised at the impact this strategy has on your employability.
2. Think about accepting a job that you can perform while you're on the hunt for a more specific role. This approach will equip you with authentic skills in areas you might not have considered, such as communication, teamwork, meeting deadlines, and essential IT skills. These are all desirable skills that can be transferred to different roles. The aim here is to enhance your appeal to potential employers.
3. It's worth considering applying for jobs that align with your final year project, as you can directly apply this experience.
4. Above all, don't lose heart. It's crucial to stay positive and learn from each application. For instance, I used to have 3 different resumes, each slightly modified to suit the specific jobs I was targeting.
I recall applying for numerous jobs after I graduated. While I was job hunting, I did some temporary lecturing at a local college for 8 hours a week. This experience significantly contributed to my first job, where I was an Electronics engineer managing a young team.
Mary Ann Higgs
Communications, Training, and People Development
32
Answers
Hayward, California
Updated
Mary Ann’s Answer
Hello V,
First, know that this is a common experience for many new grads. While we all have dreams of graduating and getting a job in the field we love, sometimes it takes some time. That being said, you don't say what field you are seeking employment. Therefore, I'll try to provide some generic information about seeking a position.
You mention that you have internship experience. Reach out to the people you met in your internship to see if they know of any available roles to which they can refer you. Sometimes having a referral from a friend or previous colleague can get you the interview. After that, it's up to you to get the job.
At social events, people often ask "what do you do?". Take that opportunity to let people know you recently graduated and you are looking for a job. Maybe they know someone or of a job that could be a good starting point for you.
Consider jobs that are in your field but maybe not the exact job you want. When we graduate, we have a lot of knowledge, but still need to get practical experience. Therefore, sometimes it's necessary to take a job that will give you the experience that will get you to your ideal job.
Here's a little story to hopefully help you. I was at a University recruiting event, meeting students as potential candidates for internships in the tech company I worked for. I talked to a gal who had graduated a year before and had not yet found a job. While she wasn't a fit for our internship, there was something about her that caught my interest. I reached out to her and we met for coffee. She shared with me what she had been doing and she and I agreed to meet regularly to work on interviewing skills, review opportunities that were of interest to her, and to identify companies that might be a match for her. In that time, I introduced her to some friends who worked in HR (the field where she wanted to work) so that she could get some tips on what things to highlight on her resume. About 6 weeks later, she received an offer for a contract job with a major tech company. She wasn't sure if she should take it. After much discussion, she decided to take it as it would give her the much needed experience she was lacking. Once she started working as a contract employee, the employer saw how valuable she was and they converted her to a full-time employee. Today, 7 years later, she still works for that company. She has designed and led HR programs and has been promoted 4 times.
For her, it took perseverance and a bit of help from people in the workforce to get started. The same is true for a lot of grads. Keep trying and you will find that first job. But, try to be patient. And, maybe take an interim job to keep busy now and gain some experience.
First, know that this is a common experience for many new grads. While we all have dreams of graduating and getting a job in the field we love, sometimes it takes some time. That being said, you don't say what field you are seeking employment. Therefore, I'll try to provide some generic information about seeking a position.
You mention that you have internship experience. Reach out to the people you met in your internship to see if they know of any available roles to which they can refer you. Sometimes having a referral from a friend or previous colleague can get you the interview. After that, it's up to you to get the job.
At social events, people often ask "what do you do?". Take that opportunity to let people know you recently graduated and you are looking for a job. Maybe they know someone or of a job that could be a good starting point for you.
Consider jobs that are in your field but maybe not the exact job you want. When we graduate, we have a lot of knowledge, but still need to get practical experience. Therefore, sometimes it's necessary to take a job that will give you the experience that will get you to your ideal job.
Here's a little story to hopefully help you. I was at a University recruiting event, meeting students as potential candidates for internships in the tech company I worked for. I talked to a gal who had graduated a year before and had not yet found a job. While she wasn't a fit for our internship, there was something about her that caught my interest. I reached out to her and we met for coffee. She shared with me what she had been doing and she and I agreed to meet regularly to work on interviewing skills, review opportunities that were of interest to her, and to identify companies that might be a match for her. In that time, I introduced her to some friends who worked in HR (the field where she wanted to work) so that she could get some tips on what things to highlight on her resume. About 6 weeks later, she received an offer for a contract job with a major tech company. She wasn't sure if she should take it. After much discussion, she decided to take it as it would give her the much needed experience she was lacking. Once she started working as a contract employee, the employer saw how valuable she was and they converted her to a full-time employee. Today, 7 years later, she still works for that company. She has designed and led HR programs and has been promoted 4 times.
For her, it took perseverance and a bit of help from people in the workforce to get started. The same is true for a lot of grads. Keep trying and you will find that first job. But, try to be patient. And, maybe take an interim job to keep busy now and gain some experience.
Skip Smith
Services Supply Chain Manager
14
Answers
Bryan, Texas
Updated
Skip’s Answer
If you are not finding local jobs in your field or passion for work, consider traveling outside of your area for work. Surely there are jobs out there that you may qualify for as a recent graduate!