6 min read
My dad taught me lots of cool things, like how to ride my purple banana-seat bike and how to dream big.
He’d say, “You’ve got to dream to get there.” And he’d push me to “look for the ‘I can’ not the ‘I can’t.’”
His advice still guides me.
As a financial columnist and author, I now have my own advice to offer this year’s graduates as they enter the real world and the job market.
Cast a wide net. There’s more competition for fewer entry-level jobs, according to the online job platform Handshake. The number of applications per job has increased by 30%. And more than half of this year’s college graduates are pessimistic about starting their careers in the current economy.
Don’t get distracted by the noise. Focus on what you have to offer. Seek out jobs that will steadily build your skills and your professional network and feed your curiosity.
Be a dreamer. What companies or nonprofits are doing work that aligns with the things you value? What kind of work would engage you?
Consider what you like to do for fun, hobbies, or sports. These activities reveal what kind of undertakings excite you. In turn, they also expose a skill set that translates to the work you could do. What does your passion for chess or tennis tell you about yourself?
Say sailing is your passion. Sailing involves constant decision-making and problem-solving, an ability to make last-minute moves under pressure if the weather shifts. That’s a hint about what excites you and could help you draw connections to what you may want to look for in a job.
Build your network. Make a habit of staying in touch with classmates and former colleagues from summer jobs, internships, and each job along your way. All it takes is a quick note, a call, or a coffee date if you're in the same city. You never know when you might be able to give them a boost with their job search or vice versa.
Invest in yourself. Set aside time and money for adding certifications and new skills. If you hear about a work project you’d like to be considered for, ask if you can play a role in it. If there’s a workplace training program, raise your hand. Attend industry conferences and connect with people in your field. Find a mentor or mentors to learn from who can shape your career path.
Create your mission statement. “It’s easier to love your job if you’re working for something that matters more than just a paycheck,” Beverly Jones, an executive career coach and author of “Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO,” told me. “Even a tedious job can feel rewarding if you have a good reason for doing the work.”
