Careers for the Class of 2013

23	May
	2013

Coaching

Caroline Dowd-Higgins

With commencement season in full swing, Caroline Dowd-Higgins, author of This Is Not the Career I Ordered, offers new graduates some sage advice on how to get started on navigating your way to the career you want. - Keith

Class of 2013, as you head into the post academic world, you have an opportunity to design your own career destiny. You earned your degree with a tremendous amount of time, effort, and more than likely a big financial investment that may also translate into significant student loan debt. As you begin your career journey, consider these tips to help you find your way in the world-of-work.

Your First Job Won’t Be Your Last. Research shows that adults change careers (not just jobs) 5-7 times throughout their working lives. So, test drive jobs and see if they are career worthy and don’t settle for roles that don’t play to your strengths. Your first job out of the gate is a single step on a lifelong career path and you have the right to change your mind as often as you like.

Be a Solution Provider. It’s easy to go into the job search focusing on what you want. While that is important you must also be a solution provider. In our current economy you may land contract or temporary work that leads to full-time permanent work so be industrious and lead with I Believe I Can Help You…and provide a solution to an issue or concern.

Empower your Network. In addition to the graduation well wishers, your friends and family are probably asking how they can help. Accept their gracious offers and tell them what you do well so they know how to connect you with their circles of influence. If you have specific organizations you want to work for, ask your network to check their rolodexes and LinkedIn connections to see if they can make a personal referral. Share your strengths story so your network has an easy to remember conversation to share with others that illustrates what makes you unique and employable.

Are You LinkedIn? With 200+ million members (that number grows daily) LinkedIn is the number one professional networking resource today. Recruiters and headhunters troll this site regularly searching for new talent. Fill out your profile in total, use a professional photo, compose a compelling summary statement and seek out recommendations to endorse you for specific skills and accomplishments. Join Groups, participate in discussions, and use this tool often and to your best advantage. A dormant LinkedIn account will do you no good.

Take a Risk. So perhaps your dream job does not materialize right off the bat but another opportunity does surface. Take a risk, try something new, and expand your comfort zone. You may just find something you love and an accidental career you would have never considered otherwise. The greatest risk is not taking one at all. You are also more employable when already employed.

No experience? Be flexible. According to a 2013 Adecco survey by Braun Research of 500 hiring managers across a range of industries, for job seekers without relevant experience, 47% said to be flexible and start in a different area of the company. Interestingly, these hiring managers said it’s more beneficial to network over going back to school if you don’t have relevant job experience so be flexible and willing to learn on the job.

Learn to Bob and Weave. One of the most sought after competencies by employers is the ability to deal with adversity and change. It’s tough out there in the real world and it doesn’t get any easier once you land a job. Showcase your resilience and be ready to discuss how you have overcome challenges, including how you are dealing with a tough job market. Proving you are resilient may land you an opportunity.

What should 2013 graduates be doing now?

Identify your network - 90% of the people you already know and10% in stretch relationships that are new to you.
Be seen and heard - get out from behind your computer.
Pursue informational interviews several times a week.
Plan your schedule and treat finding a job like a full-time job.
Make sure your tool kit is in order (resume, LinkedIn profile, references, etc.)
Look for a daily dose of inspiration to get you through the emotional roller coaster of the job search. Career Coach Caroline's App will give you daily motivation and action steps to help you on your career journey.

Caroline Dowd-Higgins authored the book and maintains the blog: This Is Not the Career I Ordered® which showcases her savvy professional development advice and women who are thriving after a career transition or reinvention. Visit her online at www.carolinedowdhiggins.com.