For some of us seniors, we’ve entered into the terrifying phase of the semester when we’ve begun to at least look at what’s out there in our perspective career field. It’s exciting, at least for me, since it’s a reflection of all the grunt work I’ve put into the entirety of my academic career. However, that journey to the perfect job has come with a few struggles.
1. Building a Resume
I thought the one we all had to write in high school would still be pretty decent, but I found the file on my Google Drive and I was very wrong. It’s okay, but definitely not enough to get me hired. A writing center appointment with a grad student is definitely in my future.
2. Writing a Flipping Cover Letter
My professors tell me there’s a way to tailor a “one size fits all” approach to these things, but I have yet to find mine. Just seeing the words together is enough to raise my blood pressure, the thought is so daunting. Producing a decent resume is easy, and there’s ton of resources to help, but creating a good letter is quite the challenge.
3. Looking at Entry Level Salaries
The economy isn’t what it used to be, and as a result, neither is the pay. I had a pipe dream of making 50K upon graduation, but that doesn’t look to really be happening any time soon. When my parents graduated, the simple fact that they had a degree was enough to get them hired, but we millennials aren’t as lucky in that regard. It's more money than I've made in the past, for sure, but I definitely worry about supporting myself after college. Especially considering that a lot of employers are only looking for part-timers.
4. Getting Excited About a Job...Then Seeing the Start Date
“You have to apply now because all the jobs will be gone once you graduate,” is something I have been told quite a few times in the recent months. However, every job that has been posted is looking for someone who can start right away, and that obviously is not the case for me as of now. I’d put the search on hold, but applying for positions now opens doors for the future if companies like what they see.
Good luck to all my fellow Class of 2016ers! God has a plan for each and every one of us, and the right door will open eventually!
