Become Known

Networking is so important, especially in today's economy. We've all heard the expression, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." I hate to say it, but to some extent this might be true.

It's really never too early to begin making connections with professionals and organizations that you are interested in. Do research on organizations in the area. What kind of company do you want to work for? Do you want to work in a multi-national corporation, or do you want to work in a non-profit? Spend some time reading about the organization on their website, look for newspaper articles about things they have done. Talk to people you might know who work, or have worked with an organization. If you find that you are interested in the company or industry, make a couple phone calls or send a couple emails and ask for an informational interview. This will give you a chance to briefly experience the office culture and it gives you the opportunity to build a relationship with somebody that already works there.

It's easy to begin expanding your personal and professional network. Start with people you know. What do they do for a living? What types of industries do your family members and family friends work in? Don't be afraid to ask people you know for contacts - I was able to set up a few informational interviews in California from asking colleagues for contacts. Use these opportunities to build relationships though, don't send one email or go to one meeting and think your done. Stay in touch and make a positive impression, your name may rise to the top of the list when new opportunities become available.

Woke up Working

This is the first of hopefully many posts relating to the transitions from college to the work place. The coming posts will contain many tips and tricks for navigating through the application process including resumes and cover letters. It will also provide advice for making a smooth entry into the office by dressing the part and being able to appropriately socialize with coworkers. There's a lot that goes with graduating college and joining the full-time work force. I hope to provide some personal experiences to make it easier for others. Take it with a grain of salt if you'd like, this will by no means be the end all and be all for professional advice, but hopefully it's another perspective to help you make the best decisions for yourself.

I graduated from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in French Studies. I was a leader on campus, involved in several student organizations and I worked in our Career Services Office. I made a decision in August/September 2008 to graduate a year early - right before the recession hit. Needless to say the job hunting process was exceptionally difficult in those months. I am beyond thankful that I can say right now that even though times were and still are tough (knock on wood) I have not been unemployed during this time.

College is great; it's a ton of fun and it provides you with the skills that you'll use as a professional. It's easy to get caught up in college, though, and not look beyond Thirsty Thursday. Don't get me wrong, enjoy college, make the best of it. But as graduation draws nearer don't forget to think ahead. Soon, you'll have a degree and you'll have to pay money to the student loan people, as opposed to them paying you. It's imperative to start searching early. Begin making connections with professionals in your field, start researching companies, it's never to early to get your name out there. Start planning a professional wardrobe, new clothes can be expensive so buy a piece at a time. Use the resources that your university makes available to you such as career services offices, job posting databases, networking events, workshops, et cetera. It's becoming increasingly difficult to graduate with a job already lined up, do all that you can do to make sure you are one of the few who can walk in the graduation ceremony on Saturday and walk into the office on Monday.