“There aren’t going to be any jobs available when I graduate”...WRONG

-Written by Lauren Lind

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard the statement from my peers that they won’t be able to find a job after graduation. The truth is, there are tons of opportunities and jobs available to those who put in the effort to find them. You may not get the high paying dream job that you were expecting immediately after graduation, but don’t give up just because a job isn’t perfect. In many cases, getting a job is about who you know as opposed to what you know, so it is important to network and utilize your school’s career center. You’d be surprised at how many students don’t even know that their school has a career center to assist them. 

I’m a senior, so believe me when I say that I understand the pressure and anxiety that comes along with the simple fact that after graduation there awaits a harsh reality. However, if you shift your perspective, you can take advantage of this prime time of your life and see that the world is your oyster. It is open for you to choose what exactly it is that you want to do. Take advantage of this time to realize that being proactive is the first step in being successful. Here is check list to start you off in the right direction and ease the worry of being unemployed after college. 

1. Be proactive by doing some soul searching. Decide what your top 3 priorities are after graduation.
2. Go into your Career Center and talk with a Career Counselor about your future plans.  
3. Start the job search now. 
4. Make connections and figure out how to network with the right people. 
5. Change your mind set from scarcity to knowing that your possibilities are infinite. 
6. Stay proactive and be relentless when it comes to getting a job after you graduate. 

On average people change jobs eleven times over the course of their lifetime, so realize that your first job out of college will most likely not be the only one you will ever have. Although the end of college is nearing, the beginning of the rest of your life is awaiting, so get a start somewhere and don’t stop yourself from succeeding by not trying.