It’s the plight of most, if not all, graduating seniors: finding a job.
Since September, I’ve hit at least one “apply” button weekly. Fast forward to now, and I’ve only heard back from a small fraction of employers. All but one of those responses have been rejections.
With every “we won’t be moving forward with your application,” frustration builds. After a while, you start questioning your abilities and if you’ve done enough with your collegiate career. It’s not the best feeling to wonder if your major will amount to anything before you graduate.
t’s a hard thought to tackle. We all know stories of graduates working jobs they’re overqualified for or have nothing to do with their degree. It happens often. With this in mind, those words of affirmation from your peers, advisors, professors and family feel somewhat hollow.
I’ve reconsidered my approach to the job market multiple times throughout the year. My anxiety about finding a job right after graduation has declined with my new thought processes. After watching some of my graduate friends, those I view as brilliant people, not getting into their careers until more recently, I started to relax a bit.
Not everything comes instantly. Certainly not employment. Fortunately, if I don’t have something lined up right after graduation, I’ll still have a house to move back into. My parents don’t seem to be aiming to kick me out.
While those fears are subsiding, there’s still the fact that most of what I’ve applied for are internships. It’s something for sure, don’t get me wrong. It’s much better to have something than nothing.
I guess it doesn’t fit the expectations one would have in the “typical” timeline of college. With internships usually coming during your college career, having to head into one after graduating feels a tad disappointing.
That idea is a little narrow-minded, I suppose. Especially knowing that my major often requires a couple of internships. It’s not a crime to want a full-time job right out of the gate, though.
The combination of not hearing anything and the applications being for internships is tough. After a lengthy and fruitful time at Ferris, I am confident in my abilities. It’s a little soul-crushing when the days go by, and you aren’t getting the looks you think you should be.
Then, every once in a while, you’ll get that rejection letter. This is a nice way of saying, “We’re not interested,” or “You don’t fit us.” Woof. At this point, you’re feigning for just an interview somewhere. Just something that’s not what you’ve come to expect.
Everything I’ve said is a big ‘ole picture of post-grad doom and gloom. There is, like most things, a silver lining.
Eventually, the metaphorical dam will break. Someone, somewhere, will want to take a gamble on you. When they do, and you get that phone call or email, the wait seems so worth it.
All that suspense, all that waiting. Boom. There’s your payoff. Allow me to share a bit of my philosophy with you. Nothing good ever comes easy. I think you can see how this applies here.
Depending on your degree, your journey may be longer than others. Your experience with your major should tell you how long it could take. It shouldn’t be a surprise at this stage.
Keep the faith through to the end of the search. You might be left waiting for a while, but I promise it’ll be worth it in the end. One call or email is all it takes to create a total restoration of your hope.