YOU'VE GRADUATED IN A PANDEMIC

Y O U ’ V E G R A D U A T E D I N A P A N D E M I C , N O W W H A T ?

S A L L Y E S P I N O S A

First of all, congratulations! I think since graduating college is an expectation nowadays, people in general don’t give you the attention and praise you deserve. So, start by patting your own damn back. Unfortunately, it’s like 2008 all over again. Jobs are scarce; the world is weird, and you just graduated in the hopes of finding a job in a pretty bad economy. Except, it’s 2021. Almost everyone has been working from home for over a year, and a lot of companies are not hiring. You were probably also robbed of an actual graduation and instead “attended” a virtual one.

graduated in May (and luckily my university had an in-person graduation for the first time since the pandemic started), so I’m right there with you in panic mode. Because of the horrible economy we are currently experiencing, I started to think about what I’m going to do once I graduate and frankly am already doing.

Below are five things you should do right away if you’re graduating soon or have already graduated.

UPDATE YOUR RESUME

I know this seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to review their resumes before applying to jobs, especially if they haven’t used it in a while. Add everything you’ve done that applies (emphasis on “that applies”) to the position. This even includes managing your friend’s business Instagram account. In other words, show off what you can do. If you don’t have anything live or published yet, you can create mock articles or designs to get your portfolio started.

Remember, your future employer knows you’re fresh out of college; they won’t expect much in terms of your portfolio, but don’t show up empty-handed either. If you’re creating a resume from scratch, you should check out the Fashion Fundamentals course. There’s a whole module with some really helpful info on resume and cover letter writing.

APPLY EVERYWHERE

You should be doing this well before you graduate. Check your university’s career center for job and internship postings first. They will typically have listings that are in line with your major. Be sure to apply to jobs and internships even if you think you’re not qualified for them. I once applied for a job that “required” 3 years of experience (of which I had zero) and still got the job. Sometimes we underestimate and sell ourselves short. Some employers also value experience in other areas that may be assets to the job you’re applying for. You don’t need to tick off every single thing on a job description to be great in the position. Remember, interviews are all about selling yourself. Maybe you don’t have any official experience writing for a publication, but you’ve been running a blog for three years. Some would argue that is way harder to do. Hiring managers will see these things, trust me. Take the chance and apply. You have nothing to lose.

CONTINUE LEARNING

Just because you’re graduating or have graduated doesn’t mean that the learning stops. You may have graduated college, but you’re not a seasoned professional in whatever your dream job or industry is. You have to start at the bottom all over again and work your way up. The only way to do that is by absorbing as much info and learning as much as you can. If you’re having a hard time finding a job right away, invest in certifications like the courses Hootsuite and Google offer. Those are considered very reputable nowadays and definitely something you can add to your resume and LinkedIn profile. If you’re in a specialized field, look for training and certifications in your industry. I’m in PR and completed the “AgencyReady” certificate from the PR Council. This shows potential employers my commitment to the field as well as being ready to work in an agency setting, which is specifically what the certification is for. Keeping yourself up-to-date on industry news is always an asset.

REACH OUT TO YOUR NETWORK

Yes, LinkedIn is a great resource, and you should definitely be using it, but your network doesn’t just end on social media. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors and even your college’s dean. They, too, are a part of your network. My dean is open to having 15-minute calls with students if they’re having an issue or have an important question. I got some great insight and an open door on my call with her. I’ve also asked prior and current professors for career advice, and even for advice on a dilemma I had regarding an internship. These individuals not only serve as a resource for you, but they’ve probably been in your industry for quite some time and have lots of useful advice and tips.

STAY POSITIVE

I know this sounds wishy-washy, but finding a job right after graduation is hard enough on a normal year. It is 10 times more difficult during a pandemic, especially when we have no idea when the world will fully go back to normal. So, it’s important to keep trying and not lose faith. Everyone has something unique they can offer. It’s just a matter of time before you find the right fit for you. Even though graduating during a pandemic can seem daunting, it really just means you have to try a little harder to find a job or intern a little longer than you expected. If you continue to be resourceful, continue practicing your skills and stay up-to-date with what is going on in your industry, you should have no problem standing out and securing a job.