By Ruth K. Robbins, GetFive Certified Coach
After thousands of textbook pages, hundreds of assignments and hours of lectures, your college days are coming to an end. While this is certainly a time to celebrate and relax, taking your first leap into the real world can also be intimidating and stressful, especially if you haven’t secured your post-grad plans.
But don’t let your nerves get in the way. Landing your first job out of college is all about having a smart approach. Here are the answers to some of your most important questions during this exciting time:
Is it enough to be a good student?
While college is typically a four-year academic commitment, a high GPA alone is becoming a luxury of the past. Employers are now expecting recent grads to have some work experience to go along with their college degree. While all work experience is good, internships or jobs related to your studies make you much more attractive to potential employers. Take advantage of summer internships, work/study programs or teaching assistant programs to expose yourself to the world of work so you can slowly build your resume.
Is getting a job really all about who you know?
GetFive teaches job seekers at all levels to reach out to people and nurture professional relationships. It’s never too early to start networking and adding to your list of contacts. Look to your sorority or fraternity, college affinity groups, roommates, family friends, former teachers and current professors as a source for contacts. Reach out to those who can influence your career. You can also use your school’s alumni association to speak with alums working in your field.
What if I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up?
You’re not alone. While it may feel like your first real job is a life-altering decision, the reality is that you will have many jobs and even multiple careers as you mature. So you don’t have to get it perfect right now. Just remember to take a position where you will be able to learn, grow and develop your skills for your next career move.
Ruth K. Robbins, has been a Certified GetFive Coach since the Club’s inception, coached at Columbia Business School in their graduate program and has been in private practice since 1992.
