Dear College Grad,
This letter is for the future graduate who doesn’t have life all figured out. I’m here to be frank about life immediately following the moment you obtain your degree.
Society projects an idea that once you go to college jobs come easy and that life itself is easy. It seems like college is the way to go in order to land your dream job. Truth is, those jobs don’t come easy.
College graduates seek jobs in their career field and find themselves at a dead end. Employers want experienced staff. If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering how you’re supposed to already have four years of experience. You graduated high school and spent the last four years in college. When could you have possibly gained on the job experience?
The emphasis that your professors put on internships… take it seriously. If you aren’t able to earn an internship while in college, seek opportunities post graduation. You have a six month window to intern and gain relevant experience after receiving your degree. If that doesn’t work, build your own content or experience. The point is, when you want something bad enough you learn to not give up.
Perhaps this isn’t your issue. Maybe you’re experiencing other hardships such as post graduation depression. Finally walking across that stage with your diploma in hand is such a fulfilling experience. You can go from happy graduation photos to post grad depression in an instance.
You will begin to notice the days go by and you still have nothing to do. You’re bored and feel alone. You try applying for jobs but the more job descriptions you read, the less equipped you feel. You gather the courage to apply and you land many interviews, or none at all. But one thing no one ever taught you was how to handle rejection. Therefore, you become discouraged. You begin to question whether your choice of study was right. I get it. I was there. If I’m being honest I’m still there but learning to pick up the pieces.
My advice to you is to coach yourself. Remind yourself of why you developed an interest in the first place. Speak life into yourself. Remember the passion you have and write down short and long term goals. But most of all work towards them. Network with people from all walks of life, this is crucial. Ask questions! You never know who someone knows. Most of all, believe in yourself. If you don’t believe that you can do it, what makes you think someone else will?
You know the work it took. You know what you’ve had to overcome. You know how bad you want that life you’ve always dreamed of, so go get it. You didn’t come all this way to fold. You got it. It’s coming. Keep trying.
BLACK&GIFTED 