Searching for a job can be a daunting task. If you’re just graduating from college, or nurturing a family member on their way, it may seem an impossible feat. But now what? The day you were deposited on the curb of your college campus with a diploma in hand, were you elated or let down? The parchment is proof of your accomplishments, but it isn’t a ticket to your career. You need to get through the door of prospective employers but how do you make an impression if you have no relevant experience?
Help has arrived in the form of Getting from College to Career, by Lindsey Pollak. The accomplished author and public speaker on careers and all things women related, outlines the things to do before you join the real world. Whether you’re obtaining that degree this May, or dusting off your résumé to get back in the game, this read is a must.
Pollak’s inspiration is personal. As a college student, she was pretty certain she was going to be a lawyer, went as far as taking the practice LSAT before she dismissed a career in law. In the introduction, she writes: “[This book] is the book I wished had existed when I was in college?. It’s a collection of all the tips, ideas, advice, secrets, strategies and warnings that I didn’t even know I didn’t know. It’s the book that can help make this weird time?full of questions, transitions and decisions?as painless and productive as possible.”
Salient points abound ? 90 to be exact ? on how to get to where you need to go after the sounds of Pomp & Circumstance have faded away. There’s #5 on how to conduct an interview and #66 regarding impressive cover letters, and its spot on advice, wrapped up in an easy-to-read paperback.
For those of you in a position to share advice, what would your kernel of wisdom be for the job hunters of today’s world? What do you wish you’d known then that you know now?
I am graduating on Sunday. I think this book will help me.
threadbeaur::
on Dec 05, 2008
I graduated some time ago with a degree in Sociology of Health and Aging. I was not sure what to do with my degree, and ended up working retail! Now I am teaching at a montessori school as an assistant. Fun job, but not what I intended to do!
maddygirl::
on Dec 07, 2008
I think that unless the degree is very specific it is hard to find a job. My sister graduated with a Liberal Arts degree which means she is having a hard time finding a job and the bad economy is not making it any easier. She would have been better off getting a degree in education which was her second choice-and yes we all warned her!
ayesha16::
on Jan 16, 2009
It is a very good book, since a lot of people are confused about what to do with their degree, especially since the economy is going down.
toni_jf15::
on Sep 09, 2009
I am majoring in English and know that this is the right major for me but I have NO idea what I want to do with my degree after I graduate. I also do not know what I want to minor in. This book seems helpful.
dolliemaria::
on Dec 08, 2009
I have a feeling I should really check out this book. I have a degree in Sociology, but have no idea what to do with it or what I really want to do... Why didnt they try to help us figure all of this big stuff out BEFORE we graduated? (Or maybe that is just me...) Probably should've gotten a more "useful" degree, but the classes were so interesting. But this book might actually have the help I need.
piscesgrly2::
on Jun 09, 2010
My father has been unemployed for more than a year and a half now and he even has 4 different degrees! He has worked since he was 16. He wouldn't be unemployed if he hadn't done such a better job than his boss. He's depressed and mad, so maybe he should get this book.
