Unfortunately, that college diploma you've been working so hard to earn is no guarantee of employment, especially when jobs are hard to come by for everyone. However, there are steps college students can take to increase the odds of getting that first job.
Take Advantage of Campus Career Resources
Students don't always utilize the career resources at their colleges and universities, and that's a shame. As a student, you almost certainly have easy access to a variety of job hunting and career services. First, check in with the campus career center to find out what resources are available. Many campuses offer students counseling and testing to figure out what careers are most suitable . They also offer job listings and information about internships.
Campus career fairs also can be very beneficial for students. Companies come to these job fairs specifically to recruit students. Even if a job fair doesn't land you a job, it's still a terrific opportunity to practice your interviewing skills and to see what's out there.
In addition, some colleges and universities have formal alumni networks in place to help students find jobs and internships. This is especially common at liberal arts colleges, and you can find out more about these networks at your career center.
Build Important Job Skills
Public speaking, writing, problem-solving, professionalism, and other important job skills are lessons that students need to concentrate on in their classes. Here's more about job skills that every college student needs.
College Internships
The main disadvantage that recent graduates have in the workplace is that they lack work experience, so a college internship can be very beneficial on a graduate's resume. Internships also give students an opportunity to network, and sometimes they lead to full time employment after graduation. Unlike full time jobs, internships are often easier to find during a recession. Interns are far cheaper than permanent employees, so a company that is struggling may hire interns to tackle excess workload.
Investigate Healthy Industries
The economy may be in terrible shape, but some industries are doing better than others. Because of the aging Baby Boomer population, many companies and organizations related to health care and other needs of the elderly are weathering the recession well. Another job sector that's at least somewhat recession-proof is higher education. After all, when people can't find work, they go back to school. Many online universities are doing very well despite the recession.
Where can you find out about industries related to your major and interests that are doing well? Talk to a career counselor, or to a faculty member in your department who has connections to industry.
Consider Relocation
Although the economic down turn is a worldwide phenomenon, some regions and countries are doing much better than others. If you are willing and able to move to where the jobs are, you may have a much easier time finding employment. In addition, it may be beneficial to move to an area with a lower cost of living. When it comes to relocation, this is one area where many young graduates actually have an advantage, since fewer of them have families and established roots.
Consider Graduate School (Carefully)
If graduate or professional school is in your future plans, this may be a good time to go. It's possible that the economy will improve before you finish. On the other hand, it's also possible that the economy won't improve, in which case you may be both unemployed and overburdened with student loans in a few years. Keep in mind, too, that graduate programs become more competitive during an economic down turn because there are more applicants.
In addition, going to graduate school for no other reason than a poor job market is not a good idea. You'll be miserable. Here are some things to consider when deciding if graduate school is right for you.
Realistic Job Search Expectations
This is certainly not the best time to be looking for a job, so be prepared for a difficult marketplace. You may have to settle for some not-so-great jobs for awhile, and it may be quite a few years before you find your dream job. However, if you're willing to make the effort to use available career resources, find internships, and take other smart steps towards employment, you may just enter the work world with a solid advantage.
Naomi Rockler-Gladen - Instructional designer and freelance writer, Naomi Rockler-Gladen writes some of Suite101's most read work.
