5 Insider Tips for Job-Seeking College Grads

Reader Comments

Back to article

i would like to inquire about the career path i can take after high school having done history,business studies,sociology and economics

Magala Patricia 5:04AM May 28, 2010

An excellent idea. Except, do it before you go to college.

Alan of CA 5:28PM January 08, 2010

Many grads don't know what kind of job they are looking for, what kind of job they would be good at. They may have enjoyed their major -- or hated it. At this point, every worthy job search and networking strategy is useless until the target job is defined and a target list of organizations is in hand.

If a college grad doesn't know what kind of job and work environment they are looking for, a comprehensive career assessment is a smart idea. This assessment would include an aptitude battery (like the Ball Aptitude Battery), an interest survey, values survey, and personality assessment. A credentialed career consultant should interpret the results, create a personalized list of 6 -10 career recommendations that are a best fit, and spend 1.5 to 3 hours helping the young adult understand their natural talents and strengths and how they bridge to tasks, jobs, careers and work environments where they will do their best work and make their best contribution to an employer.

This kind of assessment requires a financial investment, as does anything of value; it costs about the same as 1 college course in a public university. Money well spent, when considering the total investment already spent on a bachelors degree.

New College Grads: Also see the article "Extraordinary Careers for Young Adults Begin From Day One" at http://www.careervision.org/About/Extraordinary_Careers.htm .

Paula Kosin of IL 10:33PM January 04, 2010

thank you for your recommendation

sendy 10:03PM January 04, 2010

Jim (Seattle) - I like your response. Although not very many will pursue your ideas, it is still important to think of alternate out of the box ideas. Jobs in today's world are no longer assembly line roles, rather mentally and physically challenging ones. As a new grad or even as a professional, if one can demonstrate the right attitude (flexibility, ready to undertake challenges, learning, teamwork, hardworking and very important creativity), then jobs are plentiful regardless of the industry.

So good luck to everyone.

Sagar of CO 2:07PM January 04, 2010

let me know when you get this.

Dad of CA 2:04PM January 04, 2010

Be creative. Ditch looking for a job. Look for a person who would make an ideal spouse. Ideal is defined by how rich they are.

If that doesn't cut it, then forget the money and do what your heart tells you to do. When you are ready to die, you'll measure the true success of your life by how happy you were, not by how much money you have.

Become a farmer. That way, you can be outstanding in your field.

Or, become a politician. That way, you can exploit the concept that you are a "public servant" while your accepting millions in bribes (sorry, I should say campaign contributions.)

Cut a deal with the parents. Negotiate for a monthly sum on the condition you will not return home.

Get a job working for a collection agency. That way, you can screw all those fellow college students you didn't like by making sure they pay back their student loans.

Become a crew member on a super yacht. Cruise the world in luxury while being paid.

Just get creative and forget the same old track that everyone else is on. Find your passion and go for it while you still can. You will not regret this decision. Well, maybe not too much.

Good luck!

Jim in Seattle of WA 5:09PM December 31, 2009

Add Your Thoughts
Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

Back to article

College Search

Within miles of Advanced Search

advertisement

Knowledge Centers

Looking at colleges? Find out what you need to know.

Parent Question-of-the-Day

What will be your primary resource to help pay for college?
[ View Results ]

Advance your career with an online degree

advertisement