Reality Check

So, you've graduated . . . now what?

http://insidehighered.com/views/teachable_moments/cartoon0509

For most new graduates, this either means more school or (cue the dirge) the real world: yes, folks, a "real" job!  Hopefully by the time you hit graduation day you have had a taste of real world experience -- part-time work, internships (2-3 preferably), at least an externship or some job shadowing experiences.  Any way you slice the pie, though, graduation day means growing up and moving on -- or at least moving on (growing up is sometimes optional). 

From the Fire
The first step is finding the golden goose, the perfect job -- or at least one that will pay the bills and get one's foot in the door while providing some experience!  The question is, when you don't have experience, how do you land a job when you're competing against others with . . . experience for positions that all require some type of . . . experience?

Leverage your assets!  Market your knowledge, skills, and abilities from across your various experiences -- and think broadly about what "experience" means: jobs, internships, campus involvement, volunteering, research, team projects and other special course projects, etc.  When you're starting out -- or changing paths -- you have to aggregate all your experiences and think about how your knowledge and skills from one situation or area can prove useful in a completely different situation or area.

Examples: 
Barista -- knows how to serve customers, solve problems, work in a team, streamline processes -- these skills translate to a variety of business and service environments

Athlete -- knows how to function as a team member, set and strive towards goals, prevent injuries, manage risks, exercise discipline -- these skills translate to a variety of business and service environments

Biology Major -- has taken intensive math and science lab classes and knows how to conduct a variety of detailed analyses, collect and interpret data, write technical reports, analyze results, think critically, and manage projects -- these skills translate to a variety of business and service environments

School Musical Lead -- has experience with public speaking and strong presentation skills, working as a team member, setting and achieving goals, working independently, performing under pressure, and meeting deadlines -- these skills translate to a variety of business and service environments

For any activity or major, a list of skills and competencies can point the way to reinventing yourself for the employment marketplace!

Several resources for job hunters include:
http://simplyhired.com (job posts compiled from boards, employer sites, and a variety of sources)
http://idealist.org (job search tool for the non-profit sector)
http://www.makingthedifference.org (categorizes federal job opportunities by interest area)
http://jobster.com (job search engine)
http://indeed.com (job search engine)
http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com (jobs for ESL abroad)
http://goabroad.com (working abroad)
http://justmeans.com (social networking site for social responsibility)
http://linkedin.com (social networking site for professionals)

To the Frying Pan
Once you find a place to start your career, the fun is just beginning.  What you learned in your college classes is only the beginning of what you will need to know to be successful in the workplace.  To start with, keep the following points in mind:

*  Corporate culture has many nuances -- keep your eyes open and observe until you know the ropes well enough to start voicing opinions.  The first day (or week or month) is not the time to make ripples!  In particular, watch what your colleagues wear, the tone and substance of collegial interactions, the culture of technology (e.g., use of cell phones, personal email, etc.), the timing and frequency of breaks, how extra duties are handled, and all the "extras" that may or may not be explicitly covered in orientation or handbook policies. 
*  What you wear, say, and do and how you contribute to the organization in the first few months will be closely watched by everyone -- from the mail room clerk to the CEO; mind your Ps and Qs and project an image of confidence, quality, and success.  But don't overdo it!
*  Just because you now have a job does not mean you can "let it all hang out" virtually.  Continue to carefully manage your online persona -- watch the photos, blogs, comments, and other digital materials you display and make sure they enhance your professional image.
*   The first 6 months to a year in a new job can be challenging if not downright overwhelming.  You may be taking over a new position, a revamped position, a position in disarray -- or you may walk into your dream job and hit the ground running with success from Day 1.  If you buy that, I have a timeshare at the Taj Mahal to sell!  More than likely, there will be a steep learning curve in any new job, especially if you're a new grad.  Classroom learning rarely translates directly to workplace productivity.  Find a mentor (or several) who can help you navigate the terrain and support you through your first year.  Make sure to cultivate a give-and-take relationship and share your fresh perspectives and cutting-edge knowledge with your mentor(s)!

Yes, it's a dog-eat-dog world out there.  Or a rat race, as some may call it.  There are also many doors waiting to be opened, many adventures looming just ahead, and ideas blooming like ripe fruit.