Beat the economy
Thanks a lot, financial apocalypse of 2008. Like it wasn’t already hard enough for university students to make a go at post-grad life before that. We’re still reeling from the effects of Wall Street’s financial curveball when suddenly even 4.0 GPA graduates had a 0.0 chance of getting a job.
photo: Submission
Whether it’s your final year of university or your first year, one question plagues all students: is there life after this? You’re already a starving student. Are you doomed to an entire life of starvation?
Short answer: Maybe.
Long answer: Your future success is completely up to you and how much effort you put into this moment, right now.
I’m no sage, but a handful of things helped me get ahead and live a post-grad life that I didn’t think was really in my cards back when I was surveying my options as a senior. Here are four tips from someone who’s been there.
1. Get connected.
It’s all about the human network. Observe which of your professors are plugged into your intended career field and are actually walkin’ the walk, not just talking about whatever it is you’re studying. Do a couple internships. Volunteer at industry events. Go to a conference or two. But don’t be a leech, either. Don’t treat your new contacts as just another name in your Android tablet. Serve. Volunteer. Get out and become a contributing member in the work community that you one day hope to join.
2. Start a side hustle.
Let’s be honest, working for the man is usually not “the dream,” and in these economic times, the man really can’t be counted on. Pretty much every hobby or passion can be turned into a side hustle, whether you love to write, walk dogs or collect stamps. In my freshman year, I used my first Mars’ Hill clip to land a few writing gigs and those led to a full-fledged freelance writing career. And I’m not alone. In 2011, it is 120 percent more likely for people our age— the Millennial demographic—to to create our own business as our first job instead of trying to work for someone, reports Entrepreneur Magazine. Whether it’s a part-time or even full-time, having a side hustle gives you financial freedom to pursue the things you truly love instead of worrying about every paycheque.
3. Get social.
Turn your infatuation with Facebook into something useful and market yourself on social media. And for your own sake, stop acting like you’re too cool for Twitter. Or Tumblr. Or blogging. Use social media to showcase your skills, your talents and your knowledge. Plus, it’s guaranteed that your future employer will Google you, and having a strong online voice will set you apart from more staid job applicants. Just don’t tweet about your bathroom habits or lunch ideas.
4. Liberate yourself.
Numerous studies note that our generation typically changes jobs eight to 12 times before settling down. A lot of this is because we’re trying to follow someone else’s map, whether it’s our parents’ commands or our community’s expectations or whatever. It can be immensely stressful approaching the end of your university life and still not knowing “who you are” or “what you want to be when you grow up.” But what you seek, you already are. Liberate yourself from other peoples’ wants and needs, align your own passions and God-given talents with your heart, and just let things unfold freely. You don’t need to know where you’re going and you don’t need a timetable. If you’re genuine and aware of your true self, only the best things will happen around you.
Josh Duvauchelle
Absolutely – you have to just “go forward”. Too many people stop short of achieving their own success because they doubt, they fear, or they identify with their successes/failures. You have to just keep going – have faith, pay attention, and jump in when you’re afraid.