Countdown to Graduation – Make Every Day Count!
 

By Dr. Stephen Jones

Are you one of the thousands of students who will graduate from college still undecided about your career goals?  Well, you are not the only one.  Choosing a career can be difficult without a road map to guide you through the turbulent waters of the senior year of college.  However, you must have a career plan that includes a scheduled set of career activities each week. 

Just remember there are thousands of students graduating and you need to distinguish yourself from the rest of the pack.  You can control your destiny by taking time to define all of the skills you have obtained through your classes, internships, and various jobs.  Start everyday off with an expectation that you will uncover some new skill that you can offer to a company.

Begin with a positive attitude, and it will give you the energy to pursue your own career goals.  Interviewing for a job will require a demonstration of your commitment to excellence.  Change the way that you think about yourself and how you react to others and employers will notice you. 

Also start each day with an expectation that you will create a new network of potential employers.  Never underestimate the value of networking.  Keep your resume on hand at all times.  You never know who you might meet during your daily travels.  Always ask your contacts for the names and telephone numbers of other people you should meet.  Raise the expectations that you will find the job that you want. 

Develop your road map to success by actually putting your career plans into action.  There is nothing more rewarding than accomplishing your goals.  It’s time to think about making each career fair you attend an opportunity to get your resume in the hands of potential employers.  Also, meet with your instructors to help in formulating some of your career goals.  Your professor may have contacts that can help you to explore other types of career options.

Did you know that 85 percent of the messages that we hear everyday are negative?  Don’t give up on finding your career because the position you desire may not materialize right away.    It is not surprising that you must fight through all of the negative thoughts about the chances that you will obtain the job you desire.  You must raise your internal expectations of having a successful career search.  Constantly improve your knowledge of all the things you can contribute to a company.  Half the battle is sticking to your commitment to research career opportunities weekly.  You can also increase your career options by doing the following:

1. Send out thank you letters to every employer you meet

2. Follow-up on business cards you obtain from everyone

3. Join an association in your field of study

4. Search the internet for a job data base.

5. Visit your local legislative office

6. Create a flyer that says you are looking for a job. Send it to companies, churches and community groups.  Include a statement asking them to share it with their members

7. Go to career fairs with lots of resumes.  Make a list of companies where you will submit your resume.

8. Research other companies where your skills can be used (i.e. hospitals, banks, and organizations.)

Remember that everyday that you wake up success is waiting for you to take hold of it.  You and only you can open the doorway to your career.  In other words you can control your future by following your career plan and knowing your potential. 

Dr. Stephen Jones is associate Dean of Students and Strategic Planning at Villanova University. He is also author of the "Seven Secrets of How to Study, http:www.sevenbooks.net or call him at 610-842-3843.