New Grad: 5 Things I Wish I’d Known

I finished grad school just a year ago, so I remember really well what it was like to search for The Job that would correspond with your major. I also remember that it was a little scary.

So Grads, this is for you. Here are five things I wish I’d known then that I know now. (And, congratulations!)

1) It’s OK if you don’t have your job lined up in March.
There are always those people who land their future jobs months ahead of graduation. If that happens for you, great. If it doesn’t, don’t stress. A lot of smaller, good companies will hire when they need people, not ahead of time. You aren’t out of options. Finish school strong and focus on growing your skills/accomplishments.

2) Your situation will be unique.
No matter what anyone, including I, tell you, know that your situation will be unique in a lot of ways. I remember thinking that my job-hunting process should go a certain way. Here’s a secret: yours will be its own, from timing to interactions to your own perceived success rate.

3) Use every resource, and trust the process.
Think creatively about what resources are available to you, and use all of them. Does your school have a career center? Do you have friends/contacts in either HR (advice, resume tips) or your industry (networking)? What/how many job-hunting resources are you using? Have you made an online portfolio? Whatever you’re doing, look for additional ideas.

4) It helps to have an outlet.
Personally, I got into PF blogging during the whole job-hunting phase of my life. It was nice to have an anonymous outlet to write about interviews, job offers, decisions, etc. I also talked with my family frequently (but I’m pretty sure they got sick of it after all while!). So have you thought about PF blogging? It’s a great distraction.

5) When The Job comes (and it will), don’t forget the people who helped you.
The professors, your friends, the contacts/professionals who did something (however small or large) to help… thank them. Even if their particular advice didn’t get you your job, thank them. Connections are invaluable.

Filed under grad school, job-hunting |