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Congratulations! You have successfully graduated college. All those years of classes, homework assignments, and exams are finally behind you. Now that you have your degree in hand, it’s time to enter the career world! Are you not sure where to begin? Transitioning from college to a career can be a challenging process, but don’t worry! Follow these five tips to help you find your dream career after college!
Did you know that 80% of positions are filled through networking? Yes, you read that number right. Networking is all about building relationships with people. Those relationships lead to referrals, which eventually lead to job offers.
To build your network, begin by creating a LinkedIn account (if you don’t already have one). LinkedIn is the most well-known professional networking site, with over 750 million users. Once you’ve set up your profile, you’re ready to start connecting! Start with the easy ones first: your friends, family, former professors, and classmates. After that, connect with those who share similar career goals. Most of these people may be strangers to you, but don’t let your parents’ teachings stop you here! These people will be your motivation to acquire the job you want. Be sure to aim for 500+ connections as it is the key to getting yourself noticed by recruiters. Remember to also engage in meaningful conversations with your connections. Allow yourself to get to know people, so they can get to know you!
I know what you’re thinking. “Research” is not a word you want to hear so soon after college. You shutter at the flashbacks of pulling all-nighters, gulping down your fifth cup of coffee, and trying to get that final research paper done. But this is actually one of the most crucial steps to finding your dream career!
If you’re still unsure about what to do with your major, a simple Google search could help you find that answer. When choosing a career, choose the one that sparks the most passion. Remember, your enthusiasm will show in the way you speak about the opportunity.
Once you set a goal for the career you want, you need to research what companies seek in an ideal candidate. Doing so will help you identify their most commonly-used keyphrases. To make it easier for recruiters to find you, highlight those skills on your resume and LinkedIn.
Finally, research the companies where you want to work. Review their main website and social media accounts. Can you see yourself working there for years to come? Does it align with your values? If you answered “yes” to both of these questions, you’re going in the right direction!
Your time at college may be over, but that doesn’t mean you need to cut ties completely. The Career Center at your college is there to guide you through this journey, so take advantage of it! The advisors can help you enhance your resume, search for jobs that fit your major, and even prepare you for interviews. Many colleges also have an alumni network. You can use it to connect with other alumni that want to help you find your dream career.
Past professors also make wonderful references. So, if you had a class that you enjoyed and excelled in, don’t hesitate to ask that professor to vouch for you! They will come in handy if you don’t have much professional experience under your belt.
One of the most common reasons college graduates struggle to get a job is their lack of working experience in their desired field. Whenever you see an “entry-level” position asking for 3+ years of experience, you fall deeper into the job-search vortex. We know – it’s not fair. You didn’t go through four years of college for nothing. How are you supposed to gain experience if employers refuse to give you a chance?!
You can solve this problem by getting an internship. Sometimes, people look down on internships after college. Don’t let them discourage you! Internships can be great starting points for your career. With an internship, you will develop the skills you need for the job you want. It will finally give you some work experience to add value to your resume. The best part is gaining connections with the people you work with. They will be your biggest cheerleaders throughout your career journey.
Here at Super Purposes™, we offer virtual internship opportunities. So, if you’re interested in joining our team, click here for more information!
Interviews are a lot like tests. If you don’t prepare (study) for them, you won’t get the job (pass the test). Whether you have an interview lined up or not, it’s never too early to prepare!
Start by researching everything you can about the company. You may have already done this, but it’s always good to get a refresher. Then, look up some common interview questions and practice your answers. Stand in front of the mirror and speak those answers aloud to boost your confidence. Try to sound as natural as possible – not like you’re reading off a script! Finally, come up with a few questions to ask the interviewer. Remember, an interview isn’t only about the employer getting to know you. You need to get to know the company too, so you can decide if it’s the right fit.
Finding your dream career after college may not be as easy as you hoped. It takes a lot of effort and determination, just like your college work. But hey, you graduated, right? Even though sometimes it seemed so far away, you made it! So, stay positive and celebrate your achievement! Your dream career awaits!
For more excellent career advice, please check out our blog! You can also sign up for our online course, specifically designed for College Students & Recent Grads.
Have a Super Day!