Secrets of the Job Hunt

Career Advice Podcasts & Job Seeker Network

6 Wishes for College Graduates (or anyone else embarking on a transition)

J0439497 This is the time of year when college seniors begin to really think about what they'll do after they graduate. Some, perhaps few, have jobs lined up already. Finding a job is difficult, especially if you haven't had "real experience" to put on your resume. But that shouldn't be an issue if you understand how to translate your college activities into "experience".

The same advice holds true for anyone searching for a new job. Learning how to translate your past experiences into something your future employer will value is difficult. It requires an understanding of what your future employer would be looking for and an understanding of sales and marketing! Spinning is a very valuable skill!

It always helps if you have something to work with first, so here are my 6 wishes for anyone who is serious about managing their career:

1. Get involved.

Do more than just get good grades or do your job. Take initiative and get involved in projects, groups, activities that will build skills and connections.

2. Build relationships.

Make connections inside and outside your normal circle. You can never know enough people.

3. Find a mentor or mentors.

Find people you respect and either set up a formal or informal mentoring relationship.

4. Be "Other-centric".

It isn't all about you. Give whatever you can and do it generously. Volunteering is always a good idea but what I'm talking about goes much deeper. Showing an interest/concern for others should be practiced in thought, word and deed.

5. Continue to Learn

Just because you're out of school doesn't mean you've finished learning. Continue to seek information. Soak up new ideas. Commit to being a life-long learner.

6. Develop Resiliency

This is going to be a bumpy ride. Things won't go the way you plan. Be able to adapt and adjust. Learn how to roll with the punches and make lemonade out of lemons.

These wishes apply to us all, no matter what stage of life we are in. What advice/wishes do you have for someone embarking on a new phase of life?

Views: 9

Tags: advice, college, graduation, job, new, search, transition

Comment by Connie on May 1, 2010 at 7:03am
To add to your 3rd point about mentors, recent grads are often an easily sell to be mentored. People are often willing to help someone that is just starting out, especially when the request for assistance is communicated clearly and humbling. Good mentors that had good mentors remember what it was like for them just starting out, appreciate the help they got and are willing to do the same for someone else. This is paying it forward at its best.
Comment by Hannah Morgan on May 1, 2010 at 7:43am
Connie,
Really great point! Many companies no longer offer "mentoring programs" so it is up to the individual to seek out these opportunities...paying it forward is the duty of every one!

Comment

You need to be a member of Secrets of the Job Hunt to add comments!

Join Secrets of the Job Hunt

Videos

  • Add Videos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Phil Rosenberg posted a blog post

Veteran Job Search Problems Mirror Others Changing Careers

An excerpt from reCareered's 5/28/12 newsletter that that compares veteran job search challenges to other career changers ... In honor of Memorial Day, let’s look at the job search problems returning veterans…See More
Wednesday
Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW posted a blog post

Putting the Right Social Media Face First

Face-to-face networking is incredibly important, and if you know your way around, then you have a distinct advantage over much of your competition. You’re making a serious mistake if you do not have a social media presence or if you skip social media sites all together.If you’ve neglected to create a social media presence, especially on LinkedIn, then you are missing out on an incredible opportunity to find open positions. Targeted, extensive networking is still the number one way to find a…See More
Wednesday
Erik Blane posted a blog post

How To Never Miss Your Next Big Job Opportunity

Opportunities are all around us. We just have to know how to spot them and when to accept them.In terms of finding a new job, closing yourself off to new opportunities is one of the worst things you can do. In the current job market, you are competing not only with people in your previous industry, but also with others who are open to new opportunities.On the other hand, by opening yourself up, you flip this argument in your favor. You now have many more jobs available to you and are competing…See More
Wednesday
Profile IconRobert Weller and Stacy Randazzo joined Secrets of the Job Hunt
Wednesday

© 2012   Created by Jessica Miller-Merrell, SPHR.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service