Career Services and Much, Much More
I graduated one year ago. Still, I have not found a career that matches my Bachelor of Arts degree in Integrative Arts. In the past two months I have visited many, many online job banks and I have performed hundreds of job searches. After reading quite a few articles while seeking guidance, I took one piece of advice and contacted the online version of my College’s Career Services. I was delighted to find newsletters, networking, workshops, career counseling and much, much more.
Soon, however, my delight shifted to anguish and then to disgust. Every link, from newsletters to much, much more, all seemed to eventually lead to one screen; the online application to the Alumni Association. Furthermore, in exchange for $30 a month for 20 months, I will be allowed all this information, and much, much more.
My hostility grew as every link ultimately led to the membership page of the pricey association. Had I not paid enough? Had the $50,000 in school loans not been adequate to warrant me this online privilege? As a student there were certain career services that were freely available. I did not want them then. I need them now.
Moments later…
And calmer…
Even as Alum, there are services that are provided, free of charge. The ‘loop’ that consistently led to the Alumni Association was misleading. One would not have to spend hundreds of dollars to access this online information. One would only have to have the patience to register to use the service. Registration is free. Finding the free registration page is tricky.
Now if you will excuse me, I have some careers to explore, people to network with, counseling to undergo, and much, much more.
[Still smiling at your post and ability to laugh at yourself.]
So you got a new perspective of this "and much, much more" thing. Taking time to reflect on what's really in front of you is very, very important.
Another thing you can do is rip apart this Integrative Arts degree you have. That's a new title for me. If I'm anythng like the recruiters who are reading your resume, they don't know what that means. Make understanding it -- and placing you -- easy for them. Find what the components are and outline your areas of strengths, experiences, and accomplishments. Create a cover letter that gives a brief summary of an Integrative Arts degree.
And review that parsed version of the specialty. Those pieces will show you some industries where you can start shopping yourself, some things that are niche specialties (true?), and departments that would lend themselves to betterment because of your involvement.