You’re Out of School – Now What?
A factor in the discussion of Jobs or Careers, is the fact that a weak labor market already has left half of young college graduates either jobless or underemployed in positions that don’t fully use their skills and knowledge. About 1.5 million, or 53.6 percent, of bachelor’s degree-holders under the age of 25 last year were jobless or underemployed, the highest share in at least 11 years.
Are you looking for a job or career? In evaluating jobs or careers, it is critical to pursue the career avenue and not just attempt to get a job. Here are three ideas to overcome these numbers that right now are stacked against recent graduates:
1st – Have More than One Ticket in Your Pocket
Many of us have gone to school for one specialty and one specialty only. Whether it’s marketing or communication, or finance, or theatre – whatever it might be. We say to ourselves, I’m going to go out and get a great job with a large firm that will take care of me and teach me the ropes. Or any employer, for that matter, just so I can get a job in my field. My answer to this is hogwash! This is your great opportunity to take what you have learned and expand it into other fields, other areas of expertise that you can build upon. If you are in Marketing, look at Sales. If you are in Communications, look at Public Speaking. Now is a great time to open you mind to new ideas and expand your horizons. List 3 new fields you can use your skills and knowledge to expand your career options.
2nd – Take Another Step in Thinking Outside the Box
How about starting your own business? Now is the time to make this happen. You went to school you have a specialty; you have skills in a field well beyond 90 percent of the population. Go out and find the customers that need your skills now. Which brings me to a very important point – you need to identify your client’s pain/needs, then go out and solve them. Don’t wait for someone to give you a “Job”, go out and build your company! Write 3 areas where you could start your own business with your skills and knowledge. Now list 3 areas where your passion is to start your own business. See if they match.
3rd – Keep Independent
Don’t go running back Home to Mom and Dad. This is the time for you to make it on your own. It is OK to ask for help but, this is critical, use this assistance to make yourself more independent. As stated above, use this help to start your own business or product line or service. The more independent you are now, the more you will succeed in the future. These hard times are what make you who you are. The folks have already been through their own hard times and have become the people you know today because of those hard times. Enjoy these times and be proud of every hurdle you overcome to be the success story you are meant to be. Discover 3 areas to use assistance to start your career.
