Data Shows Major Impacts Job Hunt Success

January 5, 2012

in Job Hunt

No surprise here. When the economy is booming and every college graduates finds himself a job, major doesn’t really matter – just major in something you like… you’ll get a job either way. What mattered previously is that you got a degree. Period. Not today.

In today’s world where post-graduation employment is more and more difficult, the major you chose can play a major role in your job hunt success. The reason of course is because some industries are expanding and others not.

A recent study decided that unemployment rates based on major are:

  • Health: 5.4%
  • Engineering: 7.5%
  • Theater: 7.8%
  • Fine arts: 12.6%
  • Agriculture: 13.9%

Overall unemployment among recent college graduates was 8.9%.

Health care seems to be an industry that should do well for many years ahead both because of demographic issues as well as the fact that it is semi-government subsidized.

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Working Your Network

January 2, 2012

in Networking

One of the most important skills you can work on and develop in the early stage of your career is networking. Networking is one of those topics that career counselors will hit on repeatedly, but most students and new career guys will often roll their eyes at the topic.

The reality is that enough emphasis is not put upon this topic.

Networking can be the difference between being employed at graduation or not being employed one year after graduating. It can be the difference between a net worth of $250,000 by the time you hit 30 and a negative net worth. Networking can be the difference between moving up within a company and staying put in the bottom rung.

Networking is crucial.

How should you start? Start off by taking an inventory of who you know. Literally. Think about everyone you know with regards to family, friends, previous co-workers, other students, etc. Then, categorize them by industry/sector. Place special emphasis on the industry or sector with which you’re pursuing a job or in which you are currently working.

Start scheduling lunches or coffee meet-ups with the people in your industry. Literally, this is all it might take for you to get a major break in your life and career. Simply by getting together with people you can find out good information or be introduced to other people who will open up doors.

Be proactive when you meet up with people. Have a list of questions to ensure a productive conversation (while at the same time not turning coffee into a formal interview). Find the right balance between enjoying one’s company but also having an intentional conversation. Also, make sure you can speak knowledgeably about the industry or your current job. Know some of the news or current event items within the industry.

Lastly, if you’re meeting with someone older than you or with more experience, don’t talk too much and absolutely, do not come across as a know-it-all. You want the impression to be that you’re sharp, smart and proactive but well aware that you have much to learn, but are eager to learn it. Don’t be cocky, but be confident while knowing your place. Impressions are HUGE and can be the difference between having someone recommend you for a position and not.

What are your experiences with networking? How many of your jobs you have landed have been a result of networking?

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Expense Management Post College

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Today’s college students are very ill equipped for the real world which they are asked to join upon graduation.  More and more students are finding the task of transitioning from college to the real world a daunting one, and few are successfully navigating this crucial time in their life. Recent graduates are faced with a [...]

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