Guidance to the Young Grad

May 5, 2012

That smile didn't leave my face that day. The overwhelming joy that I felt was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Despite the turn up being too real the night before which resulted in me reeking of Hennessy and ashy ankles I still walked across that stage with so much pride. On May 5, 2012 I graduated from Bowling Green State University with my Bachelors degree in Public Relations and Minor in Marketing.

Not even a week later reality settled in on my ass. By graduating meant I lost my on-campus job and while I had my degree my phone was definitely not ringing off the hook with interviews.I had such an urgency to graduate that I wasn't fully prepared for what was to come. Summer of 2012 was worse than the summer I spent with my family in the projects after my sister burned our house down. While I can not go back in time and warn the girl above I can at least speak my piece to the graduating class of 2014....

Plan Ahead

If you had a dollar for every time you're going to get asked "What are your plans" then you wouldn't have to worry about finding a job. While it's the most annoying question you're going to get asked there's a lot of meaning behind it. Graduating just gives you a ticket to the maze of life it's up to you to find your way through it. Plan to go above and beyond. Research your field to gain a better understanding of what is being requested from entry level candidates. Every state doesn't accommodate every field so it's up to you to position yourself in a location where you can utilize your degree. If that's not where you graduated or where you originally are from then you need to plan on how to move. Simple as that!

Don't be Ashamed

NEWS FLASH- Your degree doesn't not guarantee you a job in your field. I thought I was going to graduate with those five internships under my belt and get a entry level PR position and I was sadly mistaken. I found my self on my front porch many mornings in tears because I felt like everyone was getting a job, but me. Girls you can cry a river of tears and males you can blame it on the the oppression of the black man in America but guess what those tears and excuses won't find you a job. During this time make your job hunt known because you never know who can aid you in your search.

Humble Yourself

In this day and age it's hard to find a job and while you have put in 4+ years of hard work doesn't mean that you can now put your self on this untouchable pedestal. Sometimes while searching for you dream job you need a job to makes ends meet. Don't be quick to think you're above a job just because you have a degree because last time I checked you can not pay your rent nor buy food with that diploma. My first paying job out of college was as a barista at a coffee shop. I was busting suds with a college degree just to chase my dreams and I would of scrubbed the floors too if I had to.

Infiltrate the System

I spent every morning that summer applying for jobs on sites like Career Builder, Indeed, and Monster. What I failed to realize so was everyone else. You have to take different routes to get noticed. Not all companies post their job openings externally. So that means that you have to check their sites for any available positions. Don't stop there young grad use social media for your job hunt as well. From Linkedin to twitter you would be surprised how many companies that have incorporated social media into their hiring process. Don't believe me I found my current job on twitter! Also pick up a copy of the book "College Grad Job Hunter" it won't let you down!

Young Grad I congratulate you on your success and welcome to adulthood. It's not as easy as you think but I hope that I saved someone from having a breakdown like the girl in the picture above.

Fun Fact: It's been two years and I still don't have my physical degree. It's still sitting in some office at BGSU.

Xoxo Kolleh