I completed my undergraduate degree approximately 30 years ago. After earning a bachelor of arts in English and linguistics, I assumed a job would be waiting for me, even though I had no idea what career I wanted to pursue.?
Spoiler alert: that didn’t happen. I found my path only after years of trial and error, further education, and a little good luck.
I mention this because it’s commencement season, and many in the class of 2024 will have the same experience, armed with freshly minted degrees and eager to launch a career, but a little unsure of where to start. The good news, if my experience is at all representative, is that life has a way of working itself out. But that happens a lot faster if you take small steps to set yourself up for success.
So, what should you focus on if you have a credential but no clear direction forward? Here are a few things that will always serve you well:
- Develop your story. The concept of a personal elevator pitch is a little outdated. The one-size-fits-all approach--using the same script to introduce yourself to everyone, that is--no longer works in today’s environment. Instead, determine what skills, knowledge, and talents you want to be known for and reinforce them as you connect with employers and others in your network. Most importantly, start by asking questions to learn where your story might intersect with theirs and then adapt your message to meet their needs.
- Build new relationships. To maximize the power of networking, build new relationships that complement the ones you already have. One great opportunity is asking for informational interviews at companies you may be interested in working for. You’ll learn about the employer and--if you do your homework prior to the conversation and prepare good questions--build a relationship with those you speak with. This may lead to opportunities down the line.
- Leverage LinkedIn. Many college students underutilize LinkedIn, but it’s one the best tools available for job seekers. Start by building a profile that reflects the story described above, and focus not just on where you’ve been, but where you hope to go in terms of a career path. Make your story relevant to future employers and highlight how you can help them based on your education, relevant work experience, volunteer efforts, and skills. Then, connect with those in your network and those you hope to add to it.? Most importantly, share content about what you’ve learned and accomplished and your perspectives on relevant industry news. Sharing posts puts you in the newsfeed, where you’ll be conspicuous to your connections. Relying on your profile alone won’t work nearly as well.
- Connect with your Career Center. Looking for help with all of the above? Talk to your college’s Career Center staff. They are well connected to employers and can help you navigate the world of job search. Best of all, their services are available at no cost, even years after you graduate.?
- Volunteer. One of the hard truths many of us learn early in our career is that you don’t usually land in your ideal job right away. Whether you are unemployed or underemployed, one of the best ways to start building a portfolio aligned with your aspirations is to give your time and talent to nonprofit organizations that need your help. Many nonprofits in your community are looking for talented young people in areas like marketing, finance, and fundraising (the last of which can be a great training ground for a sales career). When the organization’s needs align with your skills, it's a great way to show what you're capable of and make some new connections along the way.
- Help people.? Beyond volunteering, one of the best ways to make connections is simply by being useful. Share your expertise with others, connect people in your network even when there's nothing in it for you, and help others tell their story stories by resharing their social media content with your network.? Each little thing you do will improve others' perceptions of you and make it much more likely they will want to bring opportunities your way.?
While this advice applies specifically to college graduates, it's equally as useful for those still in school and even those in established careers. As my experience indicates, a career path is a winding road, not a straight line, and it's always under construction. The sooner you begin investing in your future, however, the sooner you'll get where you want to go.
