The Four Biggest Challenges Facing New Grads (Part II)

September 12, 2009

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.

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