Starting Work
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The Graduate
April 15, 2009
If you are about to graduate from a college or a university, law school or business school, I know this spring has been a particularly frightening one. Unemployment is already sky high, and employers have indicated they will hire nearly 25% fewer new grads than they did just a year ago. While the statistics may be alarming, don’t give up hope. Instead, reset your expectations.
Start by understanding that you may need to completely rethink your first job. A position that seemed like an inevitability just 18 months ago may now be an impossibility. So reconsider any and all positions that you might be willing to take. Make sure you consider relocating. And plan on adjusting your salary wants and needs. For now, your primary goal is to get your foot inside a door—any door—and acquire the opportunity to learn about the work world and your own work capabilities.
If you find no one is hiring, consider taking any sort of paid or unpaid internship. Where internships seem limited, consider reaching out to small employers. Offer to do entry-level work in exchange for the ability to acquire some experience and make connections.
Also, take advantage of every networking opportunity you have. While I have a personal preference for face-to-face networking, you shouldn’t neglect social networking sites. Reach out to the friends you’ve made on Facebook and inquire whether anyone has heard about openings in your field. (It goes without saying that your Facebook page must be free of controversial content or photographs. If you’re not sure whether something is “controversial,” use the Mom test, i.e., ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable if Mom saw or read this?” If the answer is “no,” pull it now.)
There’s no arguing that this is a tough year to enter the marketplace. Take some comfort in the knowledge that you will survive, and in the future, you will be able to explain to recruiters how you managed to get through a very tough time.
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