So I Graduated, Now What? Another Option to Consider

In an earlier posting (Friday, April 24, 2009, The Job Search Continues (and a Friday Freebie), I introduced you to Lindsey Pollak, an author and career blogger, who offers valuable advice for college grads seeking employment. This afternoon (Wednesday, May 20, 2009) at 5:00 p.m. ET, Ms. Pollak’s radio show (30/20 Vision) and podcast will discuss the concept of taking a gap year after college with authors Christine Hassler (20 Something Manifesto), and Alexandra Levit (How’d You Score That Gig?) If you miss hearing the show live, then check back later for a replay.

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Thanks,
Mom

The Job Search Continues (and a Friday Freebie)

Hunting for a job is nearly a fulltime job in itself. It is difficult to know where to begin, and once you have been searching for a long time, keeping the process fresh and staying motivated can be challenging. It may be time to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, particularly if your usual method hasn't yet helped you to expand your list of contacts or propel you towards an interview. These are tough times, and a little ingenuity can go a long way in differentiating you from other candidates.

The newspapers, magazines, and Internet are inundated with career tips and expertise. For a fresh perspective, check out Lindsey Pollak, "a bestselling author, speaker and consultant specializing in Generation Y career and workplace issues." Ms. Pollak writes a career blog (which you can subscribe to) and has written 2 books worth reading: Getting from College to Career: 90 Things to Do Before You Join the Real World and another, co-authored with Diane K. Danielson entitled The Savvy Gal's Guide to Online Networking (Or, What Would Jane Austen Do?). Amazon sells these books both new and used (to save you money).

By the way, Ms. Pollak recommends that you link to her on LinkedIn. What do you have to lose? Give it a try.

A freebie for your Friday: Next Thursday, April 30th, from 3 - 7 p.m., head over to Carvel for a free Iceberg (soda and ice cream).


Please Note: If you are reading a posting from this blog through sources
other than the actual blog or a subscription to the blog,
you can find additional postings from Mom Knows Best at:
http://bloggermomknowsbest.blogspot.com/
where you will also find a link enabling you to subscribe directly to the blog.
Thanks.
Mom

It Is Practically a Forbidden Word

In our house, it is lovingly referred to as the "G" word (shhhh......don't let my daughter see that I am mentioning it in my blog today - - so sorry, Sarah!). Any guesses? G-R-A-D-U-A-T-I-O-N! It’s not that it isn't something to be proud of, something you have been aiming for these past four years, something very exciting and memorable, something worth celebrating! It is all of those and more, but without belaboring the point, graduation can be mixed with the bittersweet of leaving the familiar behind: the comfort of a college you love, the place you call home, surrounded by the friendships you adore and depend upon daily, the opportunity to continually try new courses and new extra curricular activities, all on “CST” (college standard time). Certainly it is hard to let go of a good thing.

Making this transitional time even more challenging is the big question: what next? And then there is an even bigger question: what to do next when the state of the economy is at odds with job hunting. There are a lot of big questions and not a lot of easy answers. However, do not despair; you have a lot in your favor. You are young and resilient, and your first opportunity will certainly not be your last. This will just be one stepping stone to your future - - a bright one.

This is a huge topic, with many subtopics. Having a senior in college, I have done more than my fair share of reading up on the issues. Over the next few weeks I will continue to address this big next step in some of my postings.

In the meantime, check out this recent article in the Boston Globe, by Christin Bolzan, entitled “Who will hire the Class of 2009?” The author puts a relatively positive spin on this somewhat daunting task. Your homework for today: give it a quick glance. It offers some great practical ideas for a variety of majors.

It took you time to find your niche in college. A new and equally promising niche awaits you. It will happen. Most importantly, keep that positive attitude and keep moving forward! There is life after college.