It's astonishing how fast time flies when you're no longer in school. I can remember how my biggest wish in the world was to graduate. Almost five years later, I got my degree and was able to sigh with relief. The hard part was over, I thought. Now life came down to finding a job in my field. My last year in school, I didn't think much into that second part. It wasn't a cause for alarm in my book.
Spring graduation for several colleges is approaching, and I have many friends getting closer to sitting in the same seat and walking the same stage I did almost four months ago. I don't know how many of these same friends know what to expect, or if they know what life is like after four years living in a fantasy world where the outside had little impact.
For those who have their schematics already laid out in front of them, kudos. You don't need to read any further. This is for those who still have a journey ahead of them -- no job lined up, little feedback from possible employers. This is for those who may be a little naive as I was.
How hard is it to find a job?
This is a hard one to answer. Everyone seems to have different luck when it comes to getting jobs post-graduation. From what I've seen, getting a job is dependent on two factors: How much experience you had "outside" of school, and how many connections you gained during that time.
During my early years in college, I had no idea how much internships had an impact on how prospective employers look at us. When it boils down to it, employers really have little interest in how good your grades were or that awesome project you did for your one class. Internships are the key. Had I not switched my major so late in school, I would've done so many more internships. I have two semesters at The Daily Collegian under my belt and a fantastic summer at The Daily Times in Salisbury, Md.
Despite these three semesters of work, I still feel as though I don't have enough experience to impress. When I look at ads for job openings in my field, most employers expect at least three years of experience in the field. There's one problem: I've been out of school for four months. How do I get experience when no one will hire me to start? It's quite the conundrum.
Tying this into the second factor I mentioned before, if it were not for the connections I made during my internships, I probably would be out of luck all together right now. Even if you don't do a lot of work in your internship, the best advantage about interning is the networking you get. I have two very good friends from The Daily Times who are helping me tremendously at the moment. I can't thank them enough. To those reading this, if you take anything from this portion of the post, it's make friends (and keep them close).
Will people look down on me for not having a job in my field?
It depends on how nice your friends and family are. My family has been greatly supportive since graduation. My parents, who I owe more debt to than any loan I ever took out, have encouraged me to take any opportunity because it is a stepping stone in the path to success. They also support me to go wherever there's work, even if it means they have to chip in a bit to help me out. I can't ask for any better guidance in my life right now.
For the most part, my close friends have been a huge help, too. They reassure me that they have my back no matter what, and they remind me that it is always darkest just before the dawn (I'm really good friends with Harvey Dent.)
As for other people, I can't say so much. When you talk to random strangers, the dreaded question comes up -- "What did you major in?" followed by the even-more degrading question: "What can you do with that degree?" Not everyone graduating will have this problem. If you're an engineer or a doctor, most people will stop at the first question. Unfortunately, for my fellow comrades in communications or another liberal arts field, you're going to get many disappointed-looking faces when you say your field.
It happens. It's discouraging as hell. There will be nights when you will wonder if you might have had it in you to take something with math or science instead. All I can say to this is be strong. Getting a job in your field is not so much a question of "how" as it is "when." Job hunting is a waiting game, just like actual hunting. Any deer hunter will say he or she can go an entire season without seeing any game. That same hunter, however, will likely try again next year, and that's the way we need to look at job hunting, as well.
It's a frustrating battle. You will lose at times. You'll get knocked on your back and have dirt kicked in your face. If any "Rocky" movie or "Full House" episode has taught us, you must always keep going, and you will persevere.
What if I don't get a job in my major right away?
The fact is many people who have a college degree don't always get a job in their field right away -- sometimes they never do. I've been looking into doing broadcast or videography even though I majored in print journalism. I know an English graduate who works at a hospital. There's another guy who has a degree in engineering and drives trucks instead.
The advantage of having a college degree is that you are one step higher than the person who does not have a college degree. For some employers, the fact you went to college is enough for them to be impressed with you. Having a college degree is more cherished now than it has ever been. Remember how your guidance counselors from high school heavily advised you to attend college? That's because they knew that the job market is looking for college grads and not the people who worked at McDonald's or hung out at the mall every Friday instead.
As far as not getting that dream job you wanted -- money is money. You have loans coming in six months after graduation. You can still search for your dream job while working somewhere else for extra coin. Being unemployed won't pay your college loans. Besides, having a job is a confidence booster. Sitting around at home and moping at your empty email inbox all day won't do you too many favors.
What is the best way to cope with post-graduation stress?
Everyone deals with stress differently, but long-term stress in the job hunt can linger for days or weeks at a time. The best solution I have found is to surround yourself with positive people. They are the ones who sympathize with your condition, and they will always find a way to make you feel better.
Another surprising solution is to also surround yourself with people who are in the same situation. I have friends who are having trouble finding jobs after college. Although it seems like talking about unemployment with one another would be depressing, it's surprisingly therapeutic. They understand your situation the most, and being able to talk things out to someone who knows what you're going through first-hand always soothes the soul. Plus, that other person probably feels the same way you do, so you are also doing he or she a favor.
Remember that tip I gave about connections before? Always hold your best friends close. They will be the ones who still have faith in you when you've lost most of it. Side activities like exercise also help take your mind off the job hunt. Yoga, walking or weight-lifting are all great examples.
I would add drinking to this list, but I would never endorse alcohol to solve major problems. It is a relaxant, but the effect is very (and I mean very) temporary. If all else fails, take a drive somewhere for no reason. Take a day trip somewhere. Think of whatever gives you joy in life and use that to your advantage. Some happiness is better than no happiness.
The future is a haunting place at times. Going into the unknown is no easy journey, and it's one many of us would rather ignore. The fact is, however, it's necessary for us to move forward. You've all seen the crappy Comedy Central movies about people who are in college way past their youth and look like douchebags.
Everyone needs to grow up at some point. It does seem like six months post-graduation is too short a time to become an adult, but that's how the real world works -- time doesn't stand still. It doesn't mean you can't use that time to your advantage, though. We have a whole lifetime to perfect ourselves, after all. Besides, we will always carry the memories we had of college far into the future. One day, you'll be sharing those same memories with your coworkers around the water cooler. Just give it time.
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