After four or five years, you have accomplished the big prize—your college degree! Graduation—a day in your life that you have looked forward to since you started your post-secondary education. As you relish the idea of no more studying, no more tests and most importantly no more homework you wonder . . . what’s next? If you are part of the select few that have a career position lined up already, you already know the satisfaction of realizing that all your hard work has paid off and you are ready to start the next chapter of your life...being a young professional with a full time job! For those of you struggling to find that first career job don’t get discouraged quite yet, continue to look for a job but if nothing falls for you, here are some ideas to keep you heading down the full time job train.

Internships:

If that full time job is not right around the corner, and the company you really want to work for offers an internship, consider applying for it. Internships are a great way to network within that dream company and mostly likely if you are a good fit, it might just land you a full time job. Most internships are only a couple months long so keep this as an option, you never know where it might lead. Also don’t be afraid to ask if they would consider you for a full time position after the internship is completed.

Networking:

Networking is a powerful tool and is often over-looked as a job search tool. “It’s all about who you know” is very true in connecting candidates with an interviewer or recruiter. Networking requires work and sometimes you may have to force yourself to become comfortable selling “you” to people that you are meeting for the first time. Developing a networking comfort zone is a necessary job skill, so there’s no better time to start than right now. Networking is a great way to get face time with recruiters, business owners, other young professionals and HR reps. Always have your business cards ready and don’t be afraid to tell people you just graduated and are currently looking for a job.

Wait staff/serving:

If you need a job this summer that pays the bills, try to find a serving job with a great lunch or happy hour crowd. What better way to network then serving food to lots of professionals over lunch. I served at a restaurant with a really busy lunch crowd and was able to make many connections that I still have today. Remember to always carry your business cards with you, even while serving.