logo.jpg

The Four Biggest Challenges Facing New Grads (Part II)

underline.jpg
September 12, 2009 Posted By: Trevor Wilson Category: Preparation


This is part two of a two part post on the biggest challenges facing new graduates. It deals with ways to overcome the obstacles set out in Part I.

It’s one thing to be aware of the challenges that you will face as a New Grad looking for an Entry Level Job. However, you also need to know how to get past these challenges if you want to land a great position.

That being said, here is some of my advice:

  • Lack of Experience: There are three great ways to battle the lack of experience issue. First, volunteer. While it can often be difficult to land a job on your own without experience, there are certainly many local organizations which would appreciate capable volunteers. This will help you gain experience without having to find a job. Second, focus your resume and interview on the skills that you have developed (though school, volunteering, and extra-curriculars). Third, be enthusiastic (but not over the top). You may lack specific experience, but you can make up for it in other ways.
  • Debt and Dwindling Resources: While this is more of a personal finance issue, try to ensure you cut any discretionary spending as soon as you are out of school (or during school…the earlier the better). If possible, move back in with family when you graduate. Or, if that isn’t possible, find a roommate and cheap accommodations until you find a job. Do everything you can to conserve cash.
  • Sense of Entitlement: This is a tough one. The only advice I can give is to be humble and be ready to put in your time. Having a sense of entitlement is a big turn-off for anyone who has had to “pay their dues”. You need to respect their feelings or you might find yourself being held back by your colleagues.
  • Poor Job Market: Unfortunately, it’s a bad job market all around. You need to ensure that you go the extra mile to get noticed (follow-ups, thank you notes, networking, etc.). In this case, the luck comes to those who are willing to work the hardest.

Landing an Entry Level Job can be extremely difficult and time consuming. However, with enough effort, plenty of patience, and a positive attitude, you will succeed.

2 Responses to “The Four Biggest Challenges Facing New Grads (Part II)”

  1. funnelthru says:

    Great advice!

    Definitely agree that the best way to combat lack of experience is to volunteer.

Leave a Reply

    • Recent Articles

      What You Can Learn in an MBA Program

      January 26, 2012 | Posted By: Jesse Langley | Category: Grad School

      If you’re thinking about going back to school, enrolling in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is a great way to prepare yourself with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to be successful in the exciting and competitive industry of business. To truly determine whether this program is suited for you, it’s important to [...]

      Leave Feelings about Former Employer at Home When Interviewing

      January 24, 2012 | Posted By: David Thomas | Category: Preparation

      Ninety-nine percent of us have all had that employer we didn’t like, who messed up our careers, made eight-hour days seem like 16 hour days, and on and on. That being said, have you gone on a job interview recently and purposely or accidentally trashed a former employer? If the answer is yes, there is [...]

      Crimes in College: How they’ll affect your Job Opportunities in the Future

      January 23, 2012 | Posted By: Jane Smith | Category: Preparation

      College—While it’s usually a fun and adventurous experience for most students, there are other students who get into legal trouble due to their definition of “fun.” Getting charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense in college is more common than one may think. And while it doesn’t make you the scum of the earth—after all [...]

      You Don’t Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression

      January 19, 2012 | Posted By: David Thomas | Category: Marketing Yourself

      How much time and thought do you put into your overall appearance preparations when you go on a job interview? If the answer is little to none, then there is a good chance that you are still looking for a job. You see, appearance, including clothing and grooming, does make the man or woman in [...]

      Philanthropic Field Representative Gives Canine Eyes to the Blind

      January 19, 2012 | Posted By: JustJobs | Category: Standing Out

      This is the career story of a professional philanthropist as told to JustJobs.com Academy. This site features real stories from professionals in a myriad of professions. If you have considered a career in philanthropy, read on to learn what the job is really like from this Philanthropic Field Representative. Visit JustJobs for more interviews with philanthropy [...]