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.png "From Degree to Career")
Kacyee Wright
November 03, 2022
Newsletter Article
From degree to career: Tips for successfully transitioning to the working world
Transitioning from college to a career can seem daunting. You’ve spent the last several years pouring yourself into course work, polishing your skillset and making connections on your campus. You finally feel like you have a handle on the college thing, and now you are at a point of significant change with so many unknowns up ahead.
The overwhelming feeling of finding the right career is normal as you transition into the working world, and you’re likely not alone. As a recent graduate, I know the feeling all too well. So, how do you overcome those feelings and find a career you love? Here are some tips on mastering the transition from degree to career.
Think Critically
I’ve learned from my college transition experience that it’s critical to start thinking about what you want your future career to look like early on. Take time to assess your skills and passions. Explore internships and new hobbies outside of your comfort zone, and spend time reflecting on what makes you feel fulfilled. It’s also vital to think critically about what work-life balance means to you and what you want your day-to-day to look like.
Many positions use aspects of your education, experience or passions you may not have considered to as potential opportunities in your career path. A survey from Indeed found 76% of employers don’t believe passion can be learned — meaning, it’s important to take into consideration what you’re passionate about when thinking about your long-term career.
Quick tip: Attend career fairs hosted by your college or within your community, even if there isn’t a company that interests you initially. Connecting and speaking with industry professionals at these events may provide insight and career ideas that point you in the right direction.
Don’t limit yourself
During the first semester of my senior year, I began looking for a full-time job after college. I was continually frustrated with feeling like I didn’t have enough experience, which lead me to undermine the college degree I was earning. The overwhelming feeling of defeat would often leave me closing my computer and walking away with no job prospects. I wasn’t alone, either. My friends and peers experienced the same frustrations.
Applying for your first full-time job is an intimidating feat, but it’s important to keep an open mind. While you want to find positions matching your skill set and experience level, don’t sell yourself short. It’s good to apply for jobs you don’t feel qualified for because you might be surprised with the outcome. The worst that can happen is the employer turning down your application, but you also have the potential to gain an interview and impress them with your experience and enthusiasm.
It’s also important to keep in mind that your degree doesn’t limit you to jobs specifically within your degree field. Keeping an open mind about career possibilities can lead to positions you didn’t know existed. Many jobs fly under the radar because students don’t know where to look or prematurely decide the employer wouldn’t be interested in their application. There is always the chance you won’t get the first job you apply for — or the first ten jobs for that matter — but the only way to find out is to submit an application.
Leverage your network
Remember the friends you made on campus and acquaintances from your summer internship? Now is the time to leverage those contacts. Getting involved on your campus and in your community early on in your collegiate career establishes a strong foundation for a network to connect with when looking for jobs.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to faculty and staff within your college as you prepare for post-graduation life. When you maintain connection with your network, those individuals are often more than happy to utilize their own networks to help kickstart your career.
Quick tip: If you are having trouble finding jobs to apply for, reach out to professors or your college’s career services center to get leads on who might be hiring.
Build up your resume
Earning experience throughout your college career is paramount to your future success, but experience doesn’t always mean four years of impressive internships under your belt. Volunteerism with a non-profit or business related to your intended career field showcases your passion and experience just the same.
Clubs and organizations on campus are additional ways improve leadership skills and add experience to your resume. Personal and professional development also comes from extra-circular experiences including conferences and events.
Showcasing your job, volunteer, leadership and extra-curricular experiences on a resume builds your credibility and makes you a well-rounded candidate, both on and off paper. Employers want to see you’ve made the most of your time in higher education and that you possess skills that make you valuable in the workplace. Always remember that a career is a journey — not just a job.
Quick tip: Apply for AFA Leaders Conference to develop personally and professionally, while connecting with food and agriculture industry leaders. Experiences like this broaden your network and strengthen soft skills vital for a successful career.
To learn more about Agriculture Future of America (AFA) and to apply for AFA Leaders Conference, visit www.agfuture.org.
For more on AgCareers.com look here: AgCareers.com
