How to put your degree to work for you

Black graduation cap with degree on white background. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

A big misconception about employment is that it is hard for new graduates to get jobs.  Many people think that getting a degree is not a sure fire way of getting a job, however the problem is not with the degree but with the person holding it.

The main problem for new graduates is how they go about getting jobs.  They think because they add their degree on their resume that potential employers will be jumping at the bit for their services.

New graduates make the mistake of relying on their degree for work instead of putting their degree to work for them.  This article will show 3 things you can do to improve your job hunting campaign if you’re a new graduate.

Use connections from school to your advantage

Tap into the people around you to help you get a job.  This is especially important if you are having trouble getting a job in the field you have graduated.  Old colleagues, friends and especially professors from school may have some opportunities for you.  This is why it is always important to create lasting relationships while in school.

Don’t limit yourself to getting a job specifically

If you are having trouble getting a job then you may need to switch your approach completely.  Start your own business, hold events about related topics, attend conferences about topics in your field, do whatever you can to meet new people and make lasting connections.  These are examples of things that you can do and the type of thinking you need to adapt if you are having trouble getting hired.

At a certain point you need stop handing out resumes and reevaluate where you’re at.  Success is not a straight line path, as long as you put in the work opportunities will come your way.

Looking for a job is a job

Planning is at the core of any successful venture in life.  As a new graduate looking for a job, you need think of it more as a self promotion campaign instead of a job hunt.  Employers aren’t really too concerned that you have a degree, what they want is a candidate who will fit into the organization and help them solve their business problems.

Take the area you want to work in and look at things from the employer’s perspective.  Adjust your job hunting campaign to play to these interests and use these things to help sell yourself to people.

At the end of the day the future of your career lies in your hands.  Albert Einstein once said “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”

In 2014 and beyond University graduates will have to be more creative in their job search to avoid falling into the stereotype of graduates not being able to find jobs.

Incorporate these 3 tips into your current job hunt.  Connect with people that you already know in your field, try new approaches and remember looking for the job requires the intensity of working at a job.

Jung Viera is an avid blogger, a serial Media specialist and always here to provide you with quality information!