Graduating during a pandemic: Advice on job hunting post-college
As graduation approaches and Cardinals prepare to spread their wings and dive into the job market, there are growing concerns regarding the efficacy of job hunting during a global pandemic. Going on the prowl for the job that could kickstart your career is a historically stressful situation for many graduating students, but you can and will eventually find success with the right mindset and the right tools at your disposal.
“The most exciting aspect of graduating lies within the prospect of finally being able to move full speed ahead with life,” said Dikshant Singh, graduating senior and chemical engineering major. “Though this next phase is sure to come with mounting responsibilities, I’m excited about the idea of continuing my growth and expanding my horizons.”
After searching for a job in his industry for months on end, through consistency and persistence he was finally able to land a job in Bloomington, Indiana, an area known for its collegiate presence and the energy to match. While he was happy that his job search had a concluded successfully, he was candid in describing the search as the most arduous experience he’d ever endured.
“The pandemic puts every applicant at a massive disadvantage,” said Singh. “I had no connections, received innumerable rejections, and found myself feeling down, dejected and alone most days. But if there’s one lesson I’ve learned in life, it’s that you have to maintain conviction and believe in yourself.”
Shannon Figueroa, director of alumni affairs, insists that graduates remember that Lamar University will always be home, and serve to be a resource for them as they transition into life. She advises students to not put too much pressure on themselves after graduation – There’s plenty of time to figure out exactly what you want to do and get to any in-career goals they have.
“You don’t always have to have everything figured out just because you’ve graduated,” said Figueroa. “Follow your passions and know that you’re going to have to follow some stepping stones until you get to your dream job.”
When it comes to marketing yourself in a pandemic environment, Figueroa says employers are utilizing social networks and social media in order to find graduates, so students should definitely have a LinkedIn account complete with a professional photo. When it comes to resources they can use, utilize some of the most popular job searching sites, like Indeed.com, or Lamar’s Hire a Cardinal service can assist students with part-time jobs, co-ops, internships and even full-time positions.
“Invest in a good suit, because you want to dress for success and make a good impression,” Figueroa said. “Even if you are meeting on zoom, make sure you look professional at least from the waist-up!”
Singh’s advice for students preparing for the job market in the middle of this pandemic is to go all-in, and make this search your obsession.
“Exhaust every resource at your disposal; make a LinkedIn and stay active on it; reach out to every connection you have and apply to any and every position that interests you,” he said. “Practice your interview skills daily, and finally, be absolutely relentless and do not stop, no matter how discouraged you may feel.”
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