For some, it's graduate, law or medical school. For others, it's a job you've arranged months before receiving your diploma. But for most, it's a bit of confusion - you've just devoted four years to academics, and now you're supposed to be entering the real world. But how?
Based on my experience, and the experiences of my friends and colleagues, I've compiled ten quick tips for the new college graduate.
1. Make connections. Most twenty-somethings with a job they love will tell you: it's all about networking. Meet as many people as you can and don't be afraid to utilize those connections. Keep in touch! You never know who you'll come in contact with and how it could play into your future.
2. Spice up your resume (seriously). With the job market being what it is, it's extremely important to have a competitive resume. Sure, you may have a high GPA and great experience, but unless your resume is organized in a well-received format, your experience will not speak for itself. Spend time researching different resume formats online and seeking out the expertise of those around you - especially those within your industry. Trust me, most professionals are willing to help!
3. Set up an informational interview. Do a little digging for a company in your industry that you'd see yourself working at and reach out to set up an informational interview. Often times, new graduates may not be experienced enough for a full-time position or even an internship, but professionals are typically willing to shed light on their company to eager hopefuls. This kind of interview can really inspire you to gain the necessary experience to succeed in your industry of choice, as well as give you a chance to impress a few important people along the way.
4. Create business cards. I know, I know - how can you create business cards without a title, right? Wrong. Nothing says driven more than walking into an interview with your own business card or being able to hand a professional you've recently met a printed card with your contact information on it. And the best part is, this is way easier than you think!
A good friend and colleague, who you can catch blogging at Real world pending...student always, suggested I do this as an intern, and it really helped me personally pinpoint where I'd like to see myself professionally. With the right mindset, all you need is a little cardstock and template that fits your personality. Check out the free template I used here.
5. Link into your industry of choice. By now, most individuals know that Linked In is definitely the way to go post-college graduation. But just like your resume, your experience won't speak for itself. It's important to update Linked In profiles and titles with a professional mindset. If you leave your title to read, "Student at the University of Iowa," you're not indicating to employers browsing through profiles that you're looking for a job, let alone the industry you're trying to break into. Instead, try listing a title that indicates who you're trying to become - ie: "Aspiring Public Relations Professional." This way, you're not giving yourself a title that you don't have, but still communicating who you'd like to become.
6. Tweet your heart out. I know many may be skeptical about joining Twitter, but newsflash: everyone who is anyone is on Twitter. Twitter is becoming a flowing source of information that you'll surely miss out on if you don't hop on board. If anything, you don't even have to tweet! Just sign on and start following those with professional and personal interests relevant to your own - from job postings to industry news, you never know where information can take you.
7. Read. Everything, anything. Digest as much information as you can - whether it be the New York Times, Edgar Allen Poe or a popular industry blogger you're starting to follow, being knowledgeable about the world as it pertains to your field of work will only help you as you start interviewing for jobs. Spend your time researching publications (online or print) that you'd like to start following and make it part of your daily routine to read them on a consistent basis. Trust me, future employers and colleagues alike will be impressed!
8. Be on the lookout for industry events. Many large industry groups host free networking events from time to time that are a perfect way for industry hopefuls to meet successful professionals. Do a little digging in your city - you'll be surprised at what you come up with! Just don't forget your business cards. :)
9. Take a break. Everyone's different, but I vividly remember spending the first three weeks after college graduation devoting hours per day to my job applications. After weeks of hundreds of personalized resumes and cover letters, I didn't hear back from one future employer, and became extremely disheartened.
But guess what? Everyone does that. Employers get flooded with applications right around this time, so why not take a break, get your resume right, spend time on the above tips, and when you're ready and more knowledgeable about exactly what you want to do, begin applying.
10. And on that note, plan a trip. Once you're in the real world, time away from the everyday is much more hard to come by. You're young and have nothing holding you back - so take advantage of it! Take a road trip with friends, see all of the concerts you can and spend your days in the sun. You'll be glad you did in the long run.
What tips do you have for new college graduates? And if you're a new graduate yourself, what do you think you'll struggle with most?
Always,
j.cole (1 year out)
