Preparing for Life after Graduation

SOURCE: Daisy Jane, RN, MN

Life after Graduation The semester is ending and several students will be graduating in college. Perhaps this is one of the most celebrated days in a person’s life. Being able to surpass the challenges education presents for quite a few years is indeed something that needs to be celebrated. This means no more late study nights and house parties. This is the end of college years. So what’s life like after college graduation? Time after college is the moment of scouting for companies offering the best jobs possible. This also means investing more money on pursuing a post-graduate education for those who wants to land a higher position in the industry. It sounds easy but actually this is quite difficult. Actually it is far difficult than studying for your final examination. I am not scaring you or anything but this is definitely real life – the life after college. Nowadays, the job market is very much competitive. The competition seems a little tighter for recent college graduates. For most part, what employer care about is ones experience more than the education. Of course, education is important but experience gives one the edge than other applicants. And sadly most college students have more experience in beer tables than doing something related to real work. So what now? Now is the perfect moment to let go of your college attitudes, habits and escapades. It’s time to get serious. Act as an adult and expand your professional boundaries and understanding. Thinking that getting a diploma is ones best ticket to getting your dream job is a wrong perspective. There are lots of unemployed degree holders nowadays. With the economic problems the country is facing, business owners just don’t want to waste resources on training new-hires. What companies want is someone who can fill in a position in a smooth transition. One needs to be at least skilled in the job applied. This is why before graduating, one needs to comply with the on-the job training which will give you the idea of the basic skills needed for the job. Concept of Landing a Job and Selling Again I would like to stress out the fact that there are lots of degree holders nowadays. However, only few are landing to a job. Is it because of the school attended? Or is it the economy’s fault? Honestly, both factors have slightly something to do with the career opportunities. But these are just minute details. To better understand what I am saying here, get the concept of selling or marketing. Now we’ve got tons of marketers nowadays selling sportswear who have been developing ways on promoting their products and making a name in the industry. But only a few made it to excel namely Adidas, Nike and etc. Others are hardly noticed and there were even some who just started but decided to quit in a short while. Now if you take a look at their marketing implementations these companies have almost the same marketing plans. They all have made their marketing but what made few companies excel and others fail is the fact that leading brands never settled on cheap fabrics plus they shelled out more finances to make their selling proposition unique. So bottom line top quality in addition to a unique selling proposition can make a successful business. Now that’s basically the same thing in landing a job. Basically, you are selling yourself to the employers. So take note of two important things: quality and selling proposition which can be exploited by taking the following suggestions:

1. Get your resume ready. This serves as your marketing flyer. If you want to get a job then let them know that you are a perfect match for the qualifications. One important thing about resume is to keep it short. Of course you don’t want to miss a detail but remember you are writing a resume not a novel. If you don’t have any idea what a good resume would look like then go ahead and visit the library. Ask around and ask for help from others. Tailor your resume according to the job applying.
2. Look for possible experience. The best way to get a document for experience is your internship during college days.
3. Don’t just sit there, get up and find a job. If you want a job then find one. Don’t expect for jobs to be looking for you at home while sleeping or playing your favorite computer game.
4. Start small. No one gets to start big. No gets out of college and gets a big time job offer. You always start at the lowest step. Then move your way up as you work.
5. Be willing to relocate. Some jobs require you to operate in one of the branches which might be away from home. If your gut tells you that the job is worth the relocation then go ahead and pack up. Your willingness to relocate shows your commitment to the job too!
6. Positive perspective. Pessimism won’t get you anywhere plus it adds up emotional stress. The best way to reap success is framing the mind to think positively.

To the new graduates, congratulations! Welcome to the adult world. Don’t stress yourself about worrying where to work. Rather, get yourself ready for the work because when an opportunity knocks you should always be prepared.