The "wise ones" know all. Right?
Graduating from college means everyone around you will want to throw their advice into the ring. They, the "wise ones," are your professors, your peers, your parents, and siblings. Each one of these individuals has graduated and is still trying to figure it out in the "real world" even if it looks like they know what they are doing.
With great power comes great responsibility. We trust them and that is the greatest power of them all. Their advice on how to navigate the days ahead as we search for great opportunities is exactly what we want.
But should we take it?
In the months leading up to my own graduation, and in the months after, I was given a lot of advice. Here are a few of those "words of wisdom" and how true they rang.
"Wait as long as you can to start working. Enjoy your summer!" - older peers, ages 25-30
WRONG. It blows my mind that I ever listen to this advice. Not only did I listen but I also took advantage of it. As sweet as it sounds you should never ignore potential opportunities. Network, get your name out there, update your resume and reach out to all resources.
"You're pretty. Don't worry, someone will snatch you up!" - older family members
... Yes, they were talking about employment. Although you should always be dressed for the job you want during an interview, no one should rely purely on their good looks (pending the job description) for a job offer.
"Your Clemson degree matters." - Clemson professors
No. My Clemson degree matters to me. It matters to the people who know what it is worth. In the hiring process employers trust the colleges they know. As someone searching in the Boston area my degree was not worth as much as those who had gone to school closer by. Yes, winning a national title in Football helped. I will ALWAYS be proud of my degree and will never wish to trade it. However, you have to be conscious of the fact that other schools names are in the mix and your degree does not entitle you to anything.
Now for the good advice. These brought positive change and productivity. These are the ones that have proven to be the most valuable.
"Apply to one job a day." - a fellow graduate, one who has been successful so far
YES. My only regret is not doing this earlier. It may be the best advice out there. Going willy nilly on any job title, especially it you're highly unqualified or uninterested, will not get you anywhere. Practicing boasting yourself and being proactive may not be a bad idea. If you apply to a company they will probably keep your file or the hiring manager will suggest another position. This is not a bad thing.
"Network." - pretty much everyone
Duh. Beyond sucking up at reunions and networking events reach out to those who you look up to. There is bound to be a few people within reach via friends, parents, siblings, professors, coaches and more. If you're willing to reach out and do your research they will most likely give you the time of day. Always ask if they think there is anyone else you should speak to.
"Have the right address." - family member
Many employers won't even continue reading your resume or cover letter if your address if further than 25 miles from the office. When it comes down to the grind they may not trust that you will move across the country or even a few states over. If you are having trouble it may be worth investing in a city.
At the end of the day, practice makes perfect. Asking for help, talking about yourself, answering convoluted questions, navigating the job sites–eventually, someone will say yes.
