Keys to getting the job you want after graduation

 

Gaining employment straight out of college is the ultimate goal for every student.

 However, many college graduates face the ultimate struggle of either not finding employment directly or finding a job that doesn't coincide with what they studied in school. It can be a scary experience not having the financial stability you need to succeed once you graduate.

 From household bills to the student loans that need immediate re-payment, having a solid job once you graduate is crucial.

There are other factors that come into play when gaining employment after graduation. These include pay rate, location and the actual job position. Although a college degree is obtained, most jobs require a certain amount of work experience and skills required to be considered a candidate for the position. Unfortunately for some college students, they don't gain the necessary work experience to land an interview.

 According to the SJGC internship coordinator Ranata Hughes, "When employers look over your resume, there are key words the look for in all candidates."

If a resume doesn't match up to those key words, the resume is usually thrown out of the pool for consideration.

 FAMU graduate Nyeja Warner, a Florida Department of Business and Regulation specialist and NFL Players Association Intern, touched on some obstacles she faced on the job hunt.

"I second guessed myself, thinking I wouldn't get an opportunity because I didn't take advantage of certain opportunities while I was in school,” she said.

It's important to utilize all of the resources the university has to gain knowledge and skills needed to land the job you want.

It can be frustrating obtaining a degree you've worked hard for and not get the job in the field you desire.

 FAMU business school graduate Nahshon Deering, who works for Atrium Health as a technical services specialist, said any upcoming graduates should "Reach out to alumni or other connections you've made to inquire about possible opportunities in your field of study."

He added that  it’s important to attend job fairs or workshops in the community and also to take advantage of internship opportunities.

 "Going on an internship after you graduate isn't a bad idea; they could hire you on after the internship has ended."

Take all of the lessons and experience that FAMU has offered over the course of four years and use them as the keys to a successful future. You may not obtain the job you want directly out of college, but it's important to be patient in the process. According to a report done by US News in 2011, "Those with bachelor's degrees, no matter the field, earn vastly more than counterparts with some college ($1.55 million in lifetime earnings) or a high school diploma ($1.30 million lifetime), indicating that no matter the level of attainment or the field of study, simply earning a four-year degree is often integral to financial success later in life."

 This means that with your degree, the money will come, as long as hard work and dedication comes along with it.