Ok, so you are fresh out of college/university, and what now? There are so many options available, but most won't fall in your lap. You need a plan. Ask yourself a few of these questions:
Who?
Who are the players in your industry that you are interested in working for? Who do you know in the industry?
Connections are an important but oft neglected part of the business world for young men and women coming out of college. With the guarded nature of most modern social mediums (Facebook, Twitter etc.), there is a lack of real relationships in the business. Get out to the job expos and open seminars to meet people in your industry. Make friends and more importantly, note the lay of the land. Most sectors have a defined social hierarchy, and knowing who to talk to and who the major names are is important.
What?
What is it that you want to do? Decide what your short, mid, and long-term career goals are. Choose a company or define a career path that gives you the most chance to achieve those goals. Don't rush it, but work your way up the ladder, making connections as you go.
When?
Now. It is never to early to start building your career. That is the difference between a career and a job. A career is a lifestyle, and should be approached as such. There will be late nights and early mornings. Joe at the office will get under your skin and the hot secretary down the hall may send you into a daze, but it is important to start working toward your goals with a plan, and as soon as possible.
Where?
Are you willing to relocate? If so, what are your prospects and options. Would you be happy with moving anywhere to wind takes you, or so you have defined limits to which within you feel you are comfortable?
Why?
Before you make any commitment to relocate or accept a job offer, take a step back and ask yourself why you are doing this. Define a concrete goal and strive to reach that goal, and understand the sacrifices that must be made to reach it, and if you are ready and have the right reasons.
How?
This is your business plan, your angle of attack. Go into your interviews with a purpose that is personal and professional. Realize that having a solid interview that sticks to your principles increases the chance that you will be happy at your job, and your employer will be happy with you. Starting your career path with a job interview that is false and "boss-pleasing" may not be the best way to go. Seasoned employers are also quick to sniff out the pretenders, so go with what you know, and rock it.
It may all sound painfully obvious, but it is my experience that most, including myself, don't always follow these simple steps. Big change in life always comes with its fair share of hardships and hurdles, and if you stick with what you know, and have a solid plan of attack, you should be able to overcome anything that this cutthroat world can throw at you.
One last thing: Continue to learn. Never put the books down or let your brain collect dust. The business world is always changing and it is only a fool who doesn't change and adapt to best perform.
What are your thoughts? Any other tips or suggestions? If so I'd love to hear from you
-Luke
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