By Georgi DeMartino | Op-Ed Editor
If you’re a senior, you’ve heard it way too many times. “So, graduation in May, then what?” It’s possibly the most overwhelming phrase anyone could ever say to a soon-to-be-graduate who hasn’t contemplated what’s going to happen on May 18, 2015, when they are no longer an undergrad. I know I certainly haven’t thought about life after Salve. Of course I should have started already, but who has time with thesis, a class with Bert Emerson, and the constant struggle to stay involved in clubs. Let’s not even get into the fact that I’ve tried to maintain some sort of job at the same time.
There are always the overachievers, posting loud and clear on every social media platform that they are “proud to announce [they’ve] accepted a full time position with (insert a well known/unheard of company here) in the Fall!” Ugh, can you not? Why do I need to be reminded that post-grad life will probably look grim if I don’t get my act together tomorrow?
What’s even worse – going home for the holidays, when the number of relatives you spend time with increases and the number of times you get asked the same question grows to an uncountable number. Nothing says “Happy Thanksgiving” like a figurative punch-in-the-face reminder that you aren’t prepared for the real world.
Here, however, are a few things that should have you feeling a little more hopeful in your (future) job searches.
In an article on experience.com about career statistics, Money magazine is quoted saying, “It generally takes several months to land a first job, so be prepared not to find a position overnight.” More specifically, 3 to 9 months. Why am I expected to know what I’m doing after graduation by every person who finds out I’m a senior, when the average graduate doesn’t even know what he or she is doing?
Also, almost 50% of college graduates move back home after graduation. Personally, I counted on moving home after graduation, but for some people this is a source of anxiety. Next time you’re freaking out about where you might have to live after you graduate, just know you’re in good company with other recent grads who ended up moving home too.
If that isn’t enough to keep your spirits up, in 2012 The Guardian posted an article titled, “10 Things Every Graduate Should Know Before They Start Job Hunting.” Number two on the list is not to worry about the headlines saying there aren’t enough jobs.
James Uffindell, founder of recruitment site Bright Network, says, “Doom and gloom makes headlines but, believe it or not, there is a huge shortage of bright, employable graduates.”
That’s almost a refreshing thought, right?
Another tip: “The perfect CV is a myth.” The article says to stop obsessing, if it’s “clear and concise” then leave it alone. Use the extra time to Google yourself, how would employers react to what comes up? Check out all your social media platforms, Facebook, LinkedIn, try to keep them all up to date.
The article also says that all experience is good experience; don’t sell yourself short by having extra space on your resume. Fill it with whatever experience could be useful to an employer.
My favorite advice is from a family friend who told me to relax; it’s okay not to know what I’m going to do. I find comfort in knowing SOME adults don’t expect me to have it all figured out.
http://www.theguardian.com/money/2012/jun/01/graduate-job-hunting
