How To Get A Job Straight Out Of College by Stephanie

How To Get A Job Straight Out Of College by Stephanie - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

As a student in an online graduate program, the most beneficial piece of advice I can give is to be prepared. When you are prepared, there are no 4 a.m. cram sessions, point deductions for late assignments, or a lack of job-related experience upon graduation. I have always been prepared by creating calendars with due dates, writing rough drafts of papers due weeks ahead of time so I have time to polish my work, and by scoping out my career aspirations. Many of you know you struggle with time management and could be a bit quicker on completing assignments, but the task I want to impress upon you is to be prepared for the job that you are passionate about.
I recently learned a lesson you see. I have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, but I am getting a master’s degree in professional counseling. Would potential employers prefer people with job-related experience or someone with no experience? Let’s go with Option A. This is the first step I am unprepared for. No one will hire me to get the experience I need, but there is hope! It is called volunteerism.
Not only does volunteering help others, but it also makes you feel great, and more specifically, it adds an edge to a resume. By volunteering, you show a love for your interest area and a hunger for practical knowledge. Also, what company doesn’t love free labor? In my area, companies typically hire people that they already know. What better way to get your foot in the door than by volunteering?
So start researching! Make a list of potential locations and start calling! Never be afraid of a company saying no, because it is their loss, not yours. There are numerous opportunities for growth, and through some effort, you will find them.