Finding a job is often even more difficult than undergraduate students are led to believe, and it’s often the most stress-inducing part of a college senior’s year. There’s probably no way to avoid the fear and struggle that comes with the job search, but there are steps every student can take to increase their chances of finding a position.
I was among the first of my friends at school to receive a job offer. I accepted a position with a recruiting company late in the February of my senior year, and was almost immediately met with questions from my classmates. My friends asked me how I found a job, what experience I thought made me qualified for my job, and what I thought enabled my success. Although I don’t think my experience makes me an expert, it did teach me a few valuable lessons that are worth passing on.
1.) Major in something you like.
I began college as an economics major because a number of people had told me that political science, which was the major I planned to pursue, was impractical. I was miserable as an economics major, and because I had no talent or passion for the work I was doing, my grades were mediocre. I switched to political science the next semester and became a top student. My grades were what allowed me to intern with various prestigious organizations. My internship experience taught me invaluable lessons about working, and the experience I gained helped me get a job. Long story short — don’t major in something you hate.
2.) Take a risk — and an internship.
Finding an internship can be difficult, and the work you do as an intern can be mind-numbing. Apply all over the place anyway. Apply to a city you’ve never been. Follow what you’re interested, and you’re bound to find good programs. It’s especially a good idea to intern somewhere that will take you out of your comfort zone. I grew up in New Hampshire and then went to college in Massachusetts.
Heading off on my own for D.C. (a city I had never even visited) in order to take an internship made me more mature and more ready to enter the work force. The experience you’ll gain when striking it out on your own is valuable both for the job search and for life in general.
3.) Start early.
Even though you probably won’t find a job right away, it’s good to start applying early on — that means as early as the summer before your senior year. Even if every job you apply to that early on rejects you (which is probably what will happen), you’ll gain invaluable experience in crafting cover letters, interviewing, and spotting suitable jobs.
4.) Apply to companies you don’t recognize.
This is probably one of the most useful tips I can offer. Most big, well-known companies field hundreds of applicants for each job they post — and many of those candidates are over-qualified. If you’re serious about finding a job, try looking at smaller, lesser-known companies that are more likely to hire a newly minted college graduate.
5.) Don’t be discouraged by rejection.
I was probably rejected from a hundred jobs before I finally found one. The constant rejection that accompanies the job search can be depressing, but you can’t let it discourage you too much. Often, you find something just after a particularly difficult period when you wanted to give up.
6.) Be Persistent.
This is the best advice I can give anyone searching for a job. Never, ever give up. Apply to everything, and follow up with the places where you apply. Search through your connections and ask them about positions. Never stop looking, and never give up on a position you are excited about. You’ll be surprised at the rewards you will reap from being dogged and confident.
Finding a job — especially a job that pays well and that interests you — is one of the most challenging pursuits imaginable. The reality is, though, that if you work hard and refuse to give up on your search, you will eventually find a position that suits you.
