Sure, we know. Your folks are on you back. You know you screwed up. You should have nailed down that job before school ended but you didn’t. Now what?
Actually I did the same thing when I graduated from college a million years ago. I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do with my history degree from Northwestern University. My parents understood but I knew they wanted me to get started with my life.
Don’t panic! Enjoy the party then finish up closing up last minute details.
Then get down to business. The job search business. Be prepared to devote at least 8 hours a day to your new job, finding a new job.
Be clear about what you want. I had to figure out how to use my history degree to create a career. Saying “I will do anything” will not work. Be specific about something.
Find the people that do what you want to do and talk to them. Connect with those people on LinkedIn and reach out to have coffee. Have lots of coffee as you meet people who do what you want to do or can introduce you to people who do the work you want to do.
Find companies that employ people who do what you want to do. Find them on LinkedIn and by asking people for names of other people you should meet.
This kind of activity is called “networking”. Do it often. Finding a job is a question of numbers. You have to talk to a lot of people to find the job you want.
In the long shot category are techniques that many recent college graduates depend on:
- Entry level jobs are often posted in job ads. Spend a little time each day looking for ads in your field and send in your resume. Although the odds are against you, it is still a possibility. Just don’t depend on ads.
- College career centers sometimes can be helpful but don’t count on it.
- Stay in touch with professors in your major. That is another longshot but still worth doing with a bit of your time.
We are describing a solid job search. This is hard work but eventually this method will work. It worked with me a million years ago. It works for experienced job seekers today. It will work for you too!
In the meantime, congratulations!!