The end of another school semester has passed; for many, this means their programs have come to an end, or, at the very least, ended for the summer. It can be a time full of promise and excitement, but it can also be a time of great stress as students and grads try to launch into their careers or gain valuable work experience. Many will struggle with the fear of failure, should they be unable to find work; this may lead to mood disturbances and unhealthy anxiety levels.
To help navigate this tumultuous time, it’s important to have a plan of attack and develop some strategies.
Here are some considerations to help things go smoother.
Know that employers are not just looking for people who have proven they have the credentials to do the job. In addition to those hard skills, they also want people to have soft skills. An often-overlooked way for students to prove they have those skills is to pull from their time in school. Remember all those group assignments and peer reviews? Those are great examples of teamwork and collaboration. What about those presentations and discussion groups? Aren’t they fine examples of public speaking and leadership abilities?
Avoid getting stuck in a rut looking for the same job in the same industry all the time. The skills learned in school may be valuable in multiple industries, not just in your chosen field of study. Additionally, it’s good to be open to accepting jobs that are similar or related to the one you’re hoping for, as they could prove to be a foot in the door for your dream job and enhance the skills you’ve already obtained.
Another great way to gain experience is through volunteerism. But the key is not to pick just any job. Students and grads need opportunities that are going to provide experience in their field, or a related field. Also, volunteering jobs can provide more than work experience. They can allow job seekers to participate in industry events like workshops and professional training, and, last but not least, make connections in the industry.
Finally, don’t forget that school is still a great resource. There are faculty who can provide references and mentorship; there are career support services and job postings; and there are former classmates to hone networking skills with and recall the good old days when all we had to do was study.