Go with the flow! Where will it lead you?
This guest post is contributed by Anna Miller, who writes on the topic of online degrees . She welcomes your comments at her email id: anna.miller009@gmail.com
There’s no doubt that every college student hopes to leave with a degree at the end of the four years they spend in school, but today, they graduate with much more than that. Some of them carry the heavy burden of debt because they were not at the receiving end of scholarships or grants. But more importantly in today’s context, most students graduate with the apprehension of not being able to find a job in today’s tough job market. While the prognosis is not as bad as it was a year or so ago, it is still an uphill climb to find a cushy job that pays well and meets all your requirements.
In general, employers are still cautious and so are getting choosier about whom they hire. They don’t feel the need to replace all the employees they fired or laid off during the financial crisis because the belt is still in the tight mode, and unless you’re exceptionally bright, talented, and able to prove that you will be an invaluable asset to a company, you’re not going to find the job search process an easy ride.
So in such a situation, you would think that it’s best to sit back and wait for a career to choose you, but no, such an attitude amounts to professional suicide. To make the job search easier, here’s what you need to do:
• Start with a plan, one that details your spheres of interest and the companies you would like to work in.
• If you’ve completed one or more internships during your second or third years in college, it’s an added advantage because you gain in experience and also know which field you prefer to work in.
• Start your job search with your career office – your counselors can help you gain valuable contacts, hone skills that are necessary at the workplace, and keep you informed about job fairs and openings at various companies.
One important aspect you must remember when looking for jobs is that you need to remain flexible and keep your mind open to the opportunities available instead of focusing your search along a narrow path. It’s ok to know what you want and pursue your goals, but with the job market not really looking up, you must not turn down other jobs that pay well just because they’re not what you want. In today’s context, flexibility is important.
It’s time to let the career choose you rather than tread the beaten path and wait for your chosen career to land on your lap. Of course, if you’re not happy with the way things are at the workplace, you have the freedom to look for another job even as you pay the bills and settle your student debts. Many people find that they enjoy the job that they find serendipitously and that with time, they grow accustomed to their routine and the challenges that they face at the workplace.
So if you’re graduating now or in a year’s time, keep your options open, look for jobs that pay well and are not too stressful, and don’t throw away good offers because of your rigid and inflexible attitude. Give fate a chance and let your career choose you for a change!
