Graduation Time!

With my daughter becoming a college graduate this weekend, my thoughts tend toward advice to share for all grads about to face the reality of the job market regardless of their field of study. Many, many parents have reached out saying they do not feel their son or daughter is adequately prepared and that their attitude needs a jump start.

My advice will fall into two categories today, one for parents and one for the graduates themselves. None of this is meant to be complete and the parts are interchangeable based on each individual case.

First, to all parents out there, your child needs to own their job search. If you enable them by submitting their resumes and scheduling interviews, they will sit back and let you do all the work! You should encourage them at all times to stay positive and focused, definitely forward leads to them say they may do the follow-up, and serve as a sounding board whenever they ask for your help. Please do not try to direct their search process as each candidate really needs to develop their own connections and set the parameters which work best for them.

To all 2012 graduates, step up to the plate now!! Do not take the summer off as competition is extremely fierce and you must dive in and immerse yourself in the search process immediately! Only you know what types of jobs and employers you are best suited for and only you can tell employers why you are the best candidate for the job! Definitely do not be bashful. Should you need outside coaching, ask for it. If you have not contacted your college career services center, do so immediately. Devoting several hours per day to running your search is essential to being successful. Finally, if anyone offers you a job even closely related to your course of study, strongly consider grabbing it!

One never knows what doors might open for them at any time! No one will ever force you to stay at one job for your entire career but you need to be in the mix before moving onward and upward. Times may be extremely tough right now but you really need to get moving. To all 2012 graduates out there I wish you nothing but great success!