Every college graduate's fear is that they won't be able to find a job after graduation, specifically a job that pertains to a person's field of study. This way of thinking is for the birds, if you ask me. I mean, think about it: you spent four or more years studying in a field that you enjoy (I hope), so why wouldn't you be able to find something that pertains to your field of study? Here are some tips to try when searching for a job in your field.
1. Be specific. Don't settle.
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Let me be clear: If you can only find a part-time job that has nothing to do with your degree, that's fine ... until you find something better. But don't settle for a job that has nothing to do with your degree because you think that's the only place out there.Think about what you want. Think about the kind of life you want to live. For example, around Christmas break, I lie in my bed at night and thought: I want a job in writing and editing by the time I graduate, near my hometown. Little did I know that in a few months, I would be writing for Odyssey as both Editor in Chief for my community, a content creator and have a full-time job in publishing. As hokey as it may sound to some, the universe is always willing to give. You just have to be specific and always be on the look out for opportunities.
2. Change your mindset.
Be positive. Be open-minded. If you put forth positive vibes, good things will happen. Don't be afraid to take chances, and definitely never be afraid to leave your comfort zone because a giant world of opportunity exists outside of your bubble.
3. Be patient.
Patience truly is a virtue. I started looking for jobs before I graduated, and there were times the job search process left me frustrated and pessimistic. I had to remind myself that I was an undergraduate student and that no one would probably give me what I call the "yay or nay" responses until closer to graduation. Success doesn't happen overnight. All great things take time.
4. What's for you, is for you.
I'm a firm believer in the saying, "Everything happens for a reason." I also believe that we live in a random and chaotic universe, but that's a story for another time. You will receive the "thanks for playing" (rejection) emails from companies a year later when you've already settled into a job, or sometimes no response at all. Try not to get discouraged. You will find something.
5. "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."
At the same, though, you have to create your own opportunities. To me, this quote is a call to arms, and the reminder that you have to put in the work, too. If that means shaking hands and kissing babies, then do it. If that means asking your professors for recommendation letters or recommendations for companies to reach out to, do it. Make the call. Send an email with your cover letter and resume and ask if they have any open positions. The worst those companies can say is no, which just means "next opportunity!"
6. Take the first job offered in your field.
You aren't going to land a six-figure job upon graduation, unless your family is loaded (and if they are, make me your first call). You just aren't. You still have to work your way up, because paying dues isn't just something you do for your Greek organization, anymore. Do what is asked of you, as long as it isn't illegal, immoral or unethical. If in a year or even a few months you decide you want to move on to something else, do it.
As I mentioned before, success doesn't happen overnight. It takes a lot of motivation and determination to look in the face of rejection and say, "I will find a job that I enjoy." And you will. I believe in you. The question is: do you believe in yourself?
