New Grads: Now What?

Posted by: Renata | Posted on: May 16, 2008 | Comments 6

This morning, Carolyn provided some savvy insight on NBC’s The Today Show, for their segment “Advice for College Grads.” She was one of five guests who spoke about different important aspects for grads now entering the workforce.

Carolyn’s focus was on nailing the interview. Appropos, as she knows this stuff cold.

Are you a grad? Know a grad? This is something worth watching, sharing. Good stuff. Also, watch for Carolyn’s New York Daily News column next week, which will tackle the same topic in more depth.

Since we’re on the subject… two of our beloved interns here at fwm, Kleona and Aubelia, have just graduated. Congratulations!

Ironically, both are thinking about taking a break to travel over the summer before gearing up for full-time work. But they're also nervous about how that time will look to potential employers.

I am thinking about going to Grad school. However, what I really want to do is just take a step back and have some time for myself to figure out what my next step is. I would love to go traveling to Europe and visit some friends and relatives. But what will employers think once I start applying for jobs in the fall? --Kleona
Even though I have figured out what I DON'T want to do in the future, I haven't quite figured out what I DO want to do. I have plans to travel in Europe for three weeks in June, but I am torn between starting something right away and putting it all off until the fall. Will I be harming myself by doing that? --Aubelia

The gals point out that the potential benefits of travel are many: networking and meeting new people; having more time to explore what kind of jobs are out there, getting a better world view; finding their passion. But do those positives outweigh the potential negatives: looking "lazy" to employers; losing jobs to other grads who started right away; having to gear back up after three-month vacation mode; paying for their travels without working?

What do you think? Please share!

(And to Kleona and Aubelia – our best to you both, in whatever you decide!)

Related tags: carolyn, college, entering-the-workforce, first-job, graduation, interviewing, today-show

6 people have responded so far. Add your comment below.
Rachel M. said:
05.16.08 7:59 p.m.
In the past few years I've been invited back to my alma mater to review portfolios and give grads advice. My advise is to take time to find the right job for you, interview your future employer as much as they are interviewing you and take a break between school and work!!! You have likely just spent the hardest year of your life cramming for finals and graduation. Do you want to enter your first job as a frazzled, stressed employee??? Not a good idea. You should start your next chapter relaxed and fully energized. You have the rest of your life to work and during those years you will find jobs give 1-2 weeks vacation for first few years and potentially more later on depending on policy. It gets so challenging to split vacation time between family and cool international vacation spots. So take the time NOW while you still can!
Rachel M. said:
05.16.08 8:12 p.m.
One more comment - I work for an international company and one very important factor I love to see on resumes is international exposure! It says volumes for a person's ability to work with international clients and co-workers. For example, my most recent hire had just come back from taking a year off work to live in France, attend university and major in the language. I hired her and immediately assigned her to our French clients account. It was a perfect fit. I say this to clarify international travel is a great fit prior to taking a job with a company that has international clients/offices.
Emma said:
05.17.08 3:33 a.m.
I think that a year out is fantastic AS LONG as it is study related. Travelling is essential to broaden horizons but with the correct planning those travels can increase the chances of find a better position and being of value to an organisation. If you can gain work experience that you enjoy (in the field you are studying) and in a foreign language then THAT wil benefit. Simply going off and travelling and having a great time with odd jobs here and there will NOT benefit you in the long run, the chances of you going back to study after such an experience is improbable. I know this sounds boring but stay focused until all your studies are finished whether this be at home or abroad. this will increase your chances of finding the right job to match your experience and qualifications. good luck
Tiffany said:
05.19.08 9:23 a.m.
If taking time off provides you experiences to help you determine what you really want to do, I feel that it is completely worth it. I have seen far too many college grads jump into gainful employment because they needed a paycheck, but a few years later when they realize they want to do something completely different, their experience set does not match what they hope to do. Better to slow down, figure it out, and then pursue your field of choice without too many ill-fated post-college jobs.
Aubelia said:
05.19.08 5:23 p.m.
Thank you all for your advice it is really helpful and has calmed my stress level. I think that I will just try to enjoy my 3 weeks on vacation then I will take my time and really look for the right match in terms of finding a job.
Viviana said:
05.21.08 2:32 p.m.
How timely! fwm expert contributor Peggy Klaus (you may have seen her on her ABC Nightline "career Makeover" segment) just published a hilarious-yet-wise commencement speech...as she says, now all she needs is for someone to invite her to speak at their commencement! Check it out: http://www.peggyklaus.com/tips_topics.html
Write your comment below.
Name  * Required
Website
E-mail address  * Required (will not be published)
Comment
Sign me up!  Sign me up to receive a private beta email invite.
 
About fwm | Contact Us | Advertising | Terms of Use | Comment Policy | Privacy Policy | Contribute to fwmTM | fwm™ is brought to you by Carolyn & Co Media, LLC