While some students finish out their final semester with a job offer and a plan in hand, most don't. A 2015 study from AfterCollege.com found that 84% of college students who were actively looking for a job didn't have one lined up before graduation.
But luckily, most college graduations take place in mid or late May, so there's still a little time ... and a few things you can do to make the most of these next few weeks.
Here are five things students can do to increase their chances of donning a cap and gown with a job offer in hand:
Forget landing your dream job. Focus on what can get you there in the future
While your first job can serve as a springboard for your professional future, it's not going to make or break your career, and it certainly won't be your last. "There is a fear in deciding what to pursue, and a fear that the choice will be right or wrong," says Lori Balantic, a senior associate director in Connecticut College's career counseling program. But choosing a first job isn't an indictment on your future, she says. Rather, it's a chance to explore a new field, build a network, and gain skills and insight that will serve you regardless of where your career path goes.
For most millennials, that path will be long and winding. "These days, college graduates are staying in their first job for 18 to 30 months and then moving on," notes Diana Gruverman, a campus recruiting lead at AIG. Instead of searching for your dream job, "find something that will position you for your career goals," she advises. "Pick something interesting that will present you with challenges that will make you more marketable for your next job."
Network your heart out
Gruverman says when she worked at NYU's Wasserman Center for Career Development, her team always encouraged students to think of everyone as a potential networking resource. "Fellow students, peers, teachers, alumni. You never know where that conversation can take you."
Balantic agrees. "I've noticed that students often neglect to mention what they are thinking about for post-BA with their most immediate network during the semester: their fellow students and professors," she says.
This is a critical mistake. Networking is one of the most important things you can do to increase your chances of getting a job, and it will continue to be important throughout your career.
While it may feel extremely uncomfortable to sell yourself as a potential candidate, remember that most people you speak to are eager to help students because they were once in your position themselves. (And don't worry — even people with years of practice think networking is awkward, so you're in good company.)
The important thing is to make connections and keep in touch. It's good practice to send notes to people you meet at networking events, says Gruverman. "This gives you the chance to follow up again and it will make sure you're on their mind in case they see a job opportunity that they think you'd be good for."
Keep an open mind, and apply to everything
"The more applications you submit, the higher your response rate will be," says Gruverman. She recommends submitting 20 to 30 job applications a week, though your counselor may adjust that depending on the kinds of jobs you're applying to.
Above all, keep an open mind. As Balantic says, there are no "right" or "wrong" jobs, only different kinds of experiences. Don't limit yourself to one company, one position, or even one industry, because you never know what opportunities you might miss by closing off your options too soon. In other words, "Make a plan from which to deviate."
And don't forget to proofread!
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