Got Your Degree and Don't Know What To Do With It? Or Know Someone Else Who Does?

   By drodriguez  Sep 14, 2008
16


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?

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piscesgrly2 by piscesgrly2 | GALT, CA
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.

dolliemaria by dolliemaria | METAIRIE, LA
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.

toni_jf15 by toni_jf15 | Frostproof , FL
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.

ayesha16 by ayesha16 | huntington station, NY
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.

maddygirl by maddygirl | GILBERT, AZ
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!

threadbeaur by threadbeaur | Shalimar, FL
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!

jennicks by jennicks | Wichita, KS
May 02, 2008

I am graduating on Sunday. I think this book will help me.

jojomojo by jojomojo | Arlington, WA
Apr 29, 2008

I need this book. I am finishing my Bachelors in marketing and see that there arent many jobs out there...

lisa22 by lisa22 | Morrisville, PA
Nov 01, 2007

Iam going to school for my MSN and I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I think I will read this book.

gingefur by gingefur | Ararat, NC
Jul 06, 2007

This is a book that I have to read. I also graduated from college 3 years ago, and I have had an awful time finding the right job. I think that those considering college should spend quite a bit of time determining the right major.

ashleyrocks by ashleyrocks | Ocilla, GA
May 22, 2007

I am going to have to check it out it sounds interesting.Most specially since I am planning on going to college in the next year or so.lol

prettygirl by prettygirl | Norristown, PA
May 09, 2007

i like the topic of this book. Very well suited for me. I am a CPA candidate with an MBA but no relevant work experience yet. I am planning to search for a job this fall and this might help me in finding my dream job. is this book already available?

DebLaks by DebLaks | Mount Laurel, NJ
May 09, 2007

Graduated with my MBA 4 years ago & am currently working in a job I love but it's dead end & pays significantly less than my degree is worth. I'm going to check it out.

engteacha1 by engteacha1 | Lansdowne, PA
May 09, 2007

This sounds like an awesome book that I will recommend to a friend that has a Masters in Behavioral Organization and Management and has yet to find a career that will utilize her skill set!

ratana by ratana | Philadelphia, PA
May 09, 2007

I graduated from college 3 years ago with a degree in Finance and Marketing. I still don't know what I want currently. Maybe this book can help.