From college to career, that’s the plan, right? As easy as it is to say, creating a plan to employment has proved itself to be easier said than done. Finding employment starts earlier than you think. In 2017, 54% of recent graduates considered themselves underemployed and struggled to find the right job or internship. On the bright side, graduating seniors in 2019 received an average of 1.10 job offers – a twelve year high. The long run in job growth and steadily increasing wages does not mean that riding the job market is easy. With the hiring market up in the air, the journey to your dream job starts long before graduation.
College to career topic
Choosing the path to your dream job begins with choosing a college. According to statistics, four in five employers are looking to hire employees with a broad knowledge of liberal arts and sciences. Liberal arts education teaches soft skills such as critical thinking, communication, problem solving and more. Soft skills are applicable in all occupations and various areas of life. These kinds of skills are actually considered more important than the major you decided according to 93% of employers.
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STEM or not?
Consider job availability before selecting a major you want to study in college. While your passions may change as you continue your journey to a career, planning based on the job you want or the jobs that are available can make it easier in the long run. When planning their career path, 87% of highschoolers planned to graduate in STEM programs. 8 in 10 of the fastest growing jobs for college graduates are in STEM. In 2008, Google conducted a study to determine what skills were the best predictors of success. Of the top eight skills identified, seven of them were soft skills. While many graduate-level STEM programs do not require a related bachelor’s degree, these STEM careers do require the soft skills learned through liberal arts.
College to career planning
Starting your career plan can easily be daunting. Especially when it feels as if you are looking far ahead into the future. Some easy ways you can get started are visiting a career counselor or attending job fairs. Whether you’re in high school or college, your school’s counselor or career center can match your interests with potential job and internship opportunities. Job fairs also provide opportunities to meet representatives from many potential employers and allow one-on-one communication and instant feedback. Preparing your essentials such as letters of reference or an online portfolio can also make your journey easier.
A job search can take up to six months, depending on the field. Don’t wait! - Choose your college with a job in mind, start applying early, and use social media and other resources to go the extra mile. Don’t get left behind in the job market. Some colleges see better outcomes post graduation. A successful career begins with the right college. Learn more about how to make the transition from college to career easier with the infographic below.
