A question for college graduates...

[florida-again]

...how did you not go CRAZY trying to apply for a job after your degree?

My university has advised that we start applying now for our grad roles (will graduate 2006).

I do have the secretarial thing to fall back on, but meanwhile I'm still investigating what else is out there....

And I think my head may just EXPLODE

Am I just too easily stressed, or is this a stressful process for everyone?

 

[dmslush]

It was pretty easy for me. I did an internship at the shelter the summer before I graduated and they hired me part time when my internship finished. I the moved up to full time (which was hard juggling school and full time), but when I graduated, I was already in the job of my dreams.

 

[daddydisneyworld]

Make up a resume packet/portfolio. Just make up a new cover letter for each position, slip it in, & send it off. Keep a list of where you applied, with dates of all correspondence. Hope that helps.

 

[princesspumpkin]

My University had a job fair at the school. I met with some recruiters there, then forwarded my resume later.

 

[Disney Doll]

I recall it as being stressful until my father gave me some excellent advice.

I had graduated from Nursing school. I was 21. I couldn't find a job. There was no Nursing shortage back in 1983 like there is now. So I was working at an ice cream store, which had been my job all through high school and college.

I was lamenting to my father one day that I had literally put in an application at every hospital within a 45 minute drive of my home. And no one wanted or needed a new graduate nurse!!!!

My father very wisely said "You will be working for the next 40 years. So this summer, enjoy your ice cream store job".

And you know what, I did. It was a great job in many ways because I worked from 5-10PM, so I could beach it all day, then go to work at a fun place where cute guys hung out (because it was near the beach, we were always busy) and when I was done with work, 10PM wasn't too late to be going out clubbing!!!! As a matter-of-fact, back in those days in the summer, the evening's clubbing was just getting started at 10PM!!!!!

So that's how I spent that summer. Then I got a "real nurse" job in September.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Disney Doll...you somewhat remind me of my college Biology professor! She couldn't find a job and ended up working at Toys R Us of all places. Always a pleasant demeanor. She made some comment about being a college graduate and working at Toys R Us. Just happened that the head of the science department at the local community college was within ear shot! Right there an interview was scheduled and she's been teaching ever since! Have to say she's one of my three favorite professors I've had.

 

[georgina]

I guess it depends on your field. We had on-campus interviews in the fall; I was flown out to 4 or 5 companies for follow-up interviews, and had a job before I graduated. Engineers were in demand.

 

[AnaheimGirl]

Yea, it must depend on the field. We had recruiters on campus all the time and they'd attend events that were held for our major's "society". We knew them all long before it was time to interview, so once it got to be that time, we knew which firms we wanted to interview with and which we didn't. So the actual applying and interviewing part was easy, however it was stressful at first going to those events and making sure you hobnobbed with the right people. Basically, if the recruiters didn't already know you, they wouldn't interview you later, no matter what your resume looked like.

You're not stressing too easily. You'll get through it. Hang in there, and good luck!

 

[tone.def]

I got a pretty great job even before I finished college and then 9/11 killed the film and tv industry in Toronto and I found myself laid off 8 months after I landed the job.

For about 18 months after that I slung beer and wine at Medieval Times (bad place to work) and at a sports pub (better place to work) and even on Lake Ontario harbour cruises (loved being on the water - worst tips in the world!) and then got THE great job in September 2003.

Took a while, but I didn't stop applying and getting my name out to places I wanted to work at and people I wanted to work for and I kept in contact with old work and school friends and then it happened very unexpectedly.

Just stay at it! In the meantime, enjoy life - you will be working for the next 40 years of your life, why not spend some time on the beach?