What’s Next: Dispelling After-College Myths
Students in college are after one thing, getting a job in the field they are interested in. Some do not have ease when it comes to job searching and that can cause a surge of panic as graduation approaches. Data collected over the years shows that they have nothing to worry about.
We are coming up on the end of the semester which means exams for most. But for some seniors it is crunch time and many are in search for a job as they also prepare to walk across the stage and close a chapter in their lives in order to start a new one. While some find it easy to get a job others are uncertain of their field of study and/or abilities within a certain career field. It is not always a walk in the park when it comes to the job market. College classes can only get students so far, there has to be equal efforts in outside activities and work. Many people are constantly sharing their tips and opinions on how to get a job in today’s working world.
The most important thing to remember after students walk across the stage is to take a breath and come down off the highs of college and constantly working. Contrary to popular belief, it is healthy to break away from a schedule for a while to recoup; some graduates are even going the gap year root and taking time to ‘find themselves’. Whether it’s one month or one year, it is okay for students to take a break. That may help with making wise choices for the next few years.
To ease the minds of those who are panicking about entering the job market, there are usually jobs offered in every major, whether they are plentiful or few. The key, according to some business websites and affiliates, is to find a specific title that suits the abilities that a student has and then tailor them to what the job is expecting because this job market is better than it has been in the past few years. College students change their major 3-4 times during their years at school. Some students even decide to change their major their senior year which can be stressful. There are a few occupations that only require two years of study and some that require no schooling at all. Those who got a certificate from a trade school may find job opportunities offered by local hvac and industrial companies.
Sometimes job searches can take people outside their preferred location. Many college graduates are moving to cities that are not at the top of a tourist attraction list but are bringing in ages 25-34 yearly. Forbes, and other publications, have reported on the top cities for young professionals to look at. It is important to look at markets before beginning any job hunt. Look at housing, transportation and overall living cost. If students are not prepared to enter a new market then they will be less likely to succeed in their future endeavors which is why it is smart to do some research.
For those students who enjoyed their majors and want to continue work in that area, there are jobs that only need a bachelor’s degree to for work eligibility. Do not get discouraged by the amount of jobs one area of study has compared to others, there is something for everyone. Many jobs offer a high starting salary compared to the average pay in that field
It is not enough for graduates to just have a vision or dream about where they want to be when they get their diploma. There is a lot of hard work and determination that goes into deciding on a career. Graduates, with only a few weeks left it is best to explore all options and choose wisely based on yourself.
