As a recent college graduate, I have finished my long journey of earning a Bachelor's degree, and have started a new journey of finding employment. I began looking for a "big girl job" a few months before graduation, hoping to get a bit of insight on what choices I had and the amount of companies that were looking to hire recent college graduates. I've found a job, by luck and good fortune, but haven't found exactly where I want to be career-wise. There is a famous saying out "you need five years of experience and a four-year degree for this entry level job," which I have never seen to be any truer. The amount of entry level jobs that I have interviewed for, and been turned away from because of my lack of experience is mind blowing. I'm never going to get any experience if no company wants to give the recent college graduates with the lack of experience, a chance. The thing is, I know for sure I'm not the only riding the job struggle bus. There are hundreds of recent college graduates nation wide all in the same position I'm in. The process of job hunting is a mix of emotions. From disappointment to sadness, to complete frustration, or even happiness and the feeling of accomplishment.
1. It starts with the intention to pay off all those student loans
Sometimes it feels like the only reason we have a job is to pay back the last four (or more) years of debt.
2. Searching for a career
Trying to figure out what exact career path to choose and what jobs interest you is defiantly a process. At the end of the day, you want to choose a job you love and enjoy going to every day.
3. Landing an interview
Let's do a happy dance for the interview you just scored-- it's a step in the right direction.4. Doing really well during an interview
I love the feeling of nailing an interview and feeling like you clicked with the company.
or
5. Doing poorly during an interview
Then there are times where I wonder what the hell just happened. Probably out of the running on this one.
6. Waiting to see if you've gotten the job
The waiting game is the worst. I just want to know NOW.
7. Getting the job
Time for a celebration-- it's one step in the right direction down the carer path.
or
8. Keep searching
Discouragement is the worst. If you don't get the job, try try again.
9. Constantly feeling sad and broke
or
10. Makin' the money
Finally, money to put towards my enormous debt.
or
10. WTF am i doing
Um.. now what.
