Question:

I am about to graduate with a two year associate's degree. I am worried that I will not find a job since I will lack both a four year degree and career-related work experience. What is the chance that I will obtain a good job that pays well?

First Answer:

Let me begin with a little Dutch uncle advice: if you don't think much of yourself, neither will anyone else. SO....start thinking positive. You are about to be a Graduate with a Degree. That demonstrates follow- through and a core of studies. You may be at a disadvantage if a job spec mentions a bachelor's degree but if this isn't stated- go for it if it sounds like something you want and think you can be successful at doing. Employers hire people to get a job they need done; you could be a Martian and if you work out well, no one will care much (See Third Rock from the Sun.)

First figure out what you want to do, then create a dynamite cover letter and supporting resume to illustrate your personal strengths and academic background. You might want to ask potential employers if they have a tuition reimbursement plan as a benefit. This shows ambition and smarts about getting ahead.

Without any further information about what you have been studying and what kind of job you would like to get, I cannot, unfortunately offer any specific strategies to win the offer of your dreams. However, let me repeat myself- think and be "up". You are about to start off with something not nothing- you are already beyond a high school diploma and half way towards a bachelor's if you want that. That is YOUR glass is half-full not half-empty. You may want to apply for internship-like positions where you can learn while earning and move up with time. A training program might be another place to get started. Go for it!

-- Debra Feldman, founder of JobWhiz, creator of the JOBWHIZQUIZ, and specialist in cyber savvy strategic job search consultations.

Second Answer:

I left my crystal ball home today! All kidding aside, I can't tell you the odds of getting a good job that pays well from what you told me.

I CAN tell you that if you have a self-defeating attitude, you aren't going to be able to stand up to the competition! Make sure your resume is the best it can be, and relates well to the skills required for the jobs you wish to get. Education is important, but it's not everything. Target jobs that you can meet the requirements for, and make sure that you emphasize the special training, skills, experience that you already have apart from your academic degree. If you are still worried that you won't be able to beat the competition and get the job you want, personal marketing can help a great deal. One good book I can suggest is: YOU ARE THE PRODUCT-How To Beat The Competition and Get The Job You Really Want at: http://users.rcn.com/adunham/yatp1.html I am sure it will help build up your confidence and allow you to put your best foot forward in your career, and in life, too!

-- Alison Blackman Dunham, life & career expert, columnist, personal public relations consultant, half of THE ADVICE SISTERS®, and the author of the ASK ALISON career advice column.

Third Answer:

If guarantees are what you want, they are very scarce in life.

Yes, in a word you will get a job. Good job and pays well are subjective terms only you can evaluate. I am surprised this question of employment is coming up at the point of graduation. I have the sense you are at the end of a tunnel and blinking your eyes realizing the security of "pursuing an education" is disappearing. You are recognizing that you must be part of an unforgiving self-supporting world. Judgment by the effort of back or brow is your fate from here forward. Welcome! This scary, awakening is known as maturity.

There are easily one hundred jobs/careers within which you have the training to become successful: Adult Day-Care Coordinators through Webmasters, all covering a broad variety of interests and focuses. Since you are bewildered, visit you Career Center on your campus. Explain your questions, fears, hesitations and hopes to a counselor. Then listen to her/his suggestions.

If you were to be talking to me, I would suggest you take a series of assessment test, either self-directed or better, under professional guidance. The profile developed from the results will point you in the direction of a job/career that fits your personality, your work-style, interests, values and goals. Review the results, if you feel they are accurate; follow through with the further help of your counselor by developing a plan of how to attain the job that fits your needs. It may turnout that further education is indicated; it may show the necessity to redo parts of your completed education, the results may say you are right on track and full speed ahead.

I feel it is important for you to realize that you are at a crossroad. The decisions and direction you make and choose are important. Take the time to make the best informed decision you can today so that in twenty-five years you do not say, as so many midlife adults do, " Is this all there is?" The decision is not carved in rock, it can be changed, flexed, and altered along your way, but given the facts as you see them today make the best choice and move into the future, paying attention to the truthful little voice inside your heart as well.

-- Robert C. Resch, Career Center, Triton College.

Career Videos