Jobs and the future

Well, what a great day to wake up and know that Barack Obama is now the President Elect...this says so much about the new day dawning for all of us, the future looks bright and I feel giddy!

I also know that there are many long days of work and diligence ahead for us as a country and as individuals. Money is tight, the economy is shaky and jobs are not easy to find.

Keep hope in your hearts as you enter the work world but do not think that hope alone will find that job. You must work very hard to get where you need to be. The field is very competitive right now with new graduates entering the field, people with advanced degrees who have been laid off are now your competition, parents of kids looking for second jobs to make ends meet are also in the pool. On top of this, hiring freezes are everywhere from State agencies to small firms and large private organizations. In short, there are fewer jobs and more people applying.

So, what to do!?

Do not procrastinate and think that just because you have a college degree someone will come looking for you. You must do the work; get that professional resume in order, network in your field, conduct informational interviews, do an internship, attend career fairs and hiring panels, define your skills for a potential employer.

In addition, take the time to develop the skills you know are being sought after; computer skills, communication skills, research skills, creative skills and team work abilities.

Also, please never, ever think that you are above the need to dress professionally for each and every meet and greet opportunity. Too often I watch students come to career events looking like they have just rolled out of bed. They show up in jeans and t-shirts with no resume and no idea what to say to make that amazing first impression. If you are at a college career fair, your negative impression spreads to your co-students as well. Once a visiting employer gets a negative feeling about a school, they often choose not to visit again. Showing up unprepared makes the job hunt harder for you and your fellow students.

While you are in college, take the time to utilize all of the career-related advice and assistance your career counselors offer. There are always workshops and 1:1 session on resumes, cover letters, informational and job interviews, portfolio preparation, dressing for career success and networking.

In addition, check you campus email for events and visits from employers and graduate school admissions counselors. If your career office is putting on an event for your school, show up and show the visitor just how worthwhile their time is to you. Too many college students today put career development off until the end of their college career. This is a mistake! Your college career office is often very connected to local and national organizations. The more your career counselor knows about you, the better he/she can help connect you to hiring managers.

You can be successful and find the career path you love, but you must claim the journey and do the work.