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A Matter of Degrees

It takes more than college to build a career

by Molly Hartmann Ahrens

Higher Learning; A new administration builds a Temple worth worshipping

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So you thought you'd take over the world after graduation. Or at least find work that paid well and propelled your budding career forward. But things haven't exactly worked out as planned. Maybe you're working a dead-end job that doesn't make use of your talents. Or maybe you're floundering on unemployment. Maybe you're not even sure what you want to do anymore. The path seemed so clear in college, but your goals have since changed or mysteriously evaporated. To further complicate matters, the sluggish economy and a shortage of jobs have worsened what's already a confusing and uncertain time for most. But try not to lose all hope. Help is on the way, and there are concrete things you can do to dig yourself out of that rut. If nothing else, it's a comfort to know you're not the only one having a rough time. Read on. You're in good company.

Johnny Lozano
Age: 22
Alma mater: Villanova University, class of '04.
Majors: Theology and
communications.

What were your career goals when you graduated from college?

"I wanted to stay around Philly and continue my involvement with the ministry or get a public relations job, but neither really panned out. I'd been studying acting senior year and found that I was really good at it, so I decided to pursue an acting career in L.A. instead-even though I didn't have any connections and my resume was all about Christian ministry."

How do your past goals measure up to your present reality?

"When I first went out to L.A. I couldn't even get an audition. Hollywood felt like this party I wasn't invited to. So I decided to do some internships at production companies to make some connections and make my resume sexy. I also got wind of a temp agency because I needed to start cutting my rent. My first temp job was on a gay cruise line collecting tickets. Now I'm also trying to pursue a career as a screenplay writer."

Any regrets?

"Not knowing how the film industry worked before I got to L.A."

What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you graduated?

"I wish I'd chosen to do the writing thing earlier and gone to L.A. more prepared."

Where do you see yourself in the future?

"Accepting my Oscar trophy. I want to sell a script and be a professional storyteller."

Got any advice for other recent grads?

"Go for what you want, and if you don't know, be an intern."

Jessica Richter
Age: 24
Alma mater: Bryn Mawr College, class of '03.
Major: History of art.

What were your career goals when you graduated from college?

"I envisioned myself going to a premed postbac program, then on to med school and eventually becoming a child psychiatrist. Even though I majored in art history, I always had medicine as a possibility in the back of my mind."

How do your past goals measure up to your present reality?

"I'm not very pleased at the moment. I did start out by attending Columbia's postbac program, but I withdrew for various reasons. I'm currently working in two private practices in New York City as a medical assistant for a dermatologist and as the office administrator for a hematologist/oncologist."

What are your disappointments?

"I'm disappointed that my initial plan didn't work out. My current jobs frustrate me because I'm working hard, but being underpaid and often not using my brain to the best of my abilities."

What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you graduated?

"I wish I'd been more realistic about what I could handle."

Where do you see yourself in the future?

"I'm still trying to figure that out. I haven't made a final decision about pursuing medicine. I've also thought about teaching or using my art history degree to work in a museum or gallery."

Do you have any advice you'd like to give other recent grads?

"If you can recognize things that you enjoyed and found interesting in college and somehow incorporate those things into your life, you just might be a little bit happier."

Ten Ways to Jumpstart Your Career

Philadelphia-based career consultants Julie Cohen, founder of Julie Cohen Coaching, and Jane Finkle, co-founder of Career Visions, regularly assist recent grads-and people of all ages-in achieving greater satisfaction in their professional lives. For those who find themselves floundering, they offer this user-friendly advice.

Have a plan.

"Know yourself," Cohen advises. "Know your skills, experiences, talents, strengths, interests and what you can contribute to the organizations you're applying for. Know what you want out of your career or job, and commit regular time each day or week to your search process."

Be realistic.

"A lot of entry-level professional positions may not be that exciting," says Finkle. "But a recent grad should look at this opportunity as a way to more closely identify their strengths in a workplace and find ways to expand their knowledge and experience-even if they don't plan to stay in the job or field."

Be sure your cover letter and resume present you well.

"Make sure you're marketing yourself appropriately," says Finkle. "Tailor your cover letter and resume to each job you're applying for."

Know your resources.

"Many schools have career development centers that alumni can use for free or for a small fee," says Cohen. "Seeing a career coach can also provide people with support and structure to make what they want a reality. Also look at big online job sites with tons of listings and smaller sites with specific industry focus."

Network, network, network.

"Find out what connections family, friends, past professors and neighbors have," Cohen suggests. In addition, "Take
advantage of the alumni network at your school. Get in touch with alumni who are working in your field of interest."

Practice for interviews.

"Pull your resume out and review it before an interview," Finkle recommends. "Go over your accomplishments, past tasks and responsibilities, what you learned about yourself and skills you developed. Be sure you can articulate what kind of a person you are and what motivates you."

Take care of yourself.

"Looking for a job can often be very stressful," says Cohen. "You need to learn to relax and take care of yourself. Otherwise you'll come across as drained and unhappy."

Find transitional work in the meantime.

"A temp job usually has flexible hours, which is good when you're looking for other work," Finkle says. "Some recent grads also wait tables or bartend to tide themselves over."

Get an internship or volunteer.

"This can be very valuable," says Cohen. "It gives you the opportunity to get experience in a specific field and enhances your resume. Also, it allows you to test the waters and see if the field is right for you."

Try to be open-minded.

"Chance plays a role in career development," Finkle explains. "Recent grads tend to fight against chance because they want security and they get scared. Practice being prepared for the unexpected, and be open to it." (M.H.A.)

Online resources for job hunting

www.rileyguide.com

www.jobhuntersbible.com/index.php

www.careerbuilder.com

Career coaching sites

www.careervisions.cc

www.juliecohencoaching.com