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When I was approaching college graduation in 2007, I became increasing anxious as I watched my friends in other career fields line up jobs. I started looking in full force at the beginning of the semester, but I was quickly told to come back and apply again after I had a degree in hand—when I would be ready to get started right away. I finally landed the internship that led to a full time job a few days after graduation.
If the reality of graduation is starting to settle in, and you still don’t a job lined up, here are a few things you can do.
- Invest some time away from online job sites, and start networking with real people.
I used to spend hours scanning job application sites, and while they might be helpful for some, most people I know (and note that I’m coming from a large agency perspective here) don’t find their jobs through job search sites. They find them through networking. Where to start? Comment on agency blogs, find agency people or HR reps on Twitter (try searching for the company on Twellow), set up informational interviews, have coffee with people you admire and go to any networking events you can find (even if it means you have to travel to get there). - Get ready to be flexible.
When I was preparing to graduate, I had a part-time job and a lease through the summer that would have given me some time flexibility if I didn’t land a job right away. If you have the ability to maintain your current job and apartment for a few months, or even move home with Mom and Dad until you figure things out, do it. You’re better off taking some time to find a position that’s a great fit than jumping at an opportunity that isn’t what you want to do. - Look for rolling internships.
If you’re looking to get in with a larger agency, post grad internships are the way to go. If you missed out on deadlines for set summer internship programs, there are still opportunities out there. Look for companies that take interns year-round (try following Heather Huhman on Twitter for updates on available internships) - Pump up your digital knowledge.
Digital is the sweet spot these days. Start reading, listening, creating and participating.
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