Does a college or university degree guarantee a well-paying job right out of school? Not these days; the economy is still in the aftermath of the recession and jobs are scarce. Some recent graduates have to resort to low-paying jobs in the service industry or retail in order to pay their bills. Do you have a degree and can’t find a job? We have some suggestions to keep you busy until you get a job.
Why not consider volunteering? Can you try volunteering with a local charity, food bank, or maybe even the Peace Corps? Another organization you may want to consider is Teach For America; This organization recruits graduates for teaching positions. Volunteering is a great way to network with professionals, give back, and it also looks great on your resume.
Have you always wanted to see the world and visit different countries? Now would be a good time to do it. It is easy to find a job teaching English in most foreign countries. It will be next to impossible to take a super long vacation once you find a job. You may also want to consider programs that allow you to study abroad for a semester.
Why not use this time to be more competitive in the market? More people are applying to graduate school than ever before; Earning an advanced degree could be a good way to get through the tough job market. Advanced degrees to consider include an MBA, a law degree, a master’s degree, and a Ph.D. The number of students taking the LSAT increased 20% in 2010 compared to 2008. Many graduates also attend MBA programs.
If you can’t secure a permanent position, consider working as an intern. If you can’t find an internship position, you might even want to try offering your services for free. Working as an intern allows you to discover what it is like to work in a 9 to 5 job, plus you can gain valuable experience this way.
Many people turn to entrepreneurship in difficult times. If you have a hobby or business idea that you’ve always wanted to explore; now is an excellent opportunity to do so. Possibilities include consulting or perhaps even an online business; Whatever you want to do. Many people never get the chance to start their own business. You can also create a job for yourself if you see an opportunity. This will allow you to gain business skills while earning money.