It’s pretty scary.
For most of your life, you’ve been a student. Now you’re a college grad or nearing the end of your academic career.
Sales associate. Clerk. Server. Cashier. Intern. Maybe you’ve held part-time jobs or even career-directed internships however your life has been defined by your studies.
Now what?
Over the years, I’ve witnessed different types of reactions to the milestone of college graduation.
I’m outta here!
I never liked school.
I can’t believe I’m done.
Those remarks sound wholly negative but they’re not. Embedded is the smell of freedom—the yearning for it. So that’s good.
How will I find a job?
Who’s going to help me like you did?
How do I write a cover letter?
Alas, less hope in those remarks.
So, if you’re feeling suddenly cut loose, a bit lost and were texting while I was explaining how to find a job, here’s a quick-start guide.
1. Have a plan.
a. Join LinkedIn and use its job search
b. On Twitter and FB, follow companies, agencies and employers to watch for job announcements or new business acquisitions (that might mean they’re hiring)
c. Network at conferences and professional organizations
d. Keep working on your CV and cover letter
2. Confront being independent.
a. Own being a graduate
b. Feel accomplished about this milestone
c. Take initiative
d. Keep working on whatever it is you want to do
3. Think growth.
a. Find opportunities where you can learn
b. Realize growing and learning are more important than salary
c. Seek a (smart) mentor wherever you work—there is usually someone who enjoys the role
If you focus on being proactive, "Oh, the places you’ll go."
