You’ve heard the story a million times: an ambitious undergraduate seeking work. I could tell this story again, because this is my story, but why repeat a classic tale?
According to the Pew Research Center, unemployment today is at its highest in more than three decades for 18 to 29-year-olds. I am one person in that 15.3% who is unemployed right now.
At first it was a pride thing. When my last college class came around and I found myself just another statistic in the unemployed column, it felt awful. Now, I find myself optimistic about landing a job because the process I have been going through to get that great position has made me smarter, wiser and, to be honest, has turned into a learning experience.
In a recent story from MSNBC, Megan Thomas discussed how the lack of employment for Gen Y and the build up of loans is leading us down a dark path and into a dreary future. I understand how that may seem valid, but I think there are ways my generation can prevent that from being the case. I have been actively searching for a job while paying my own rent, bills and watching friends around me go to work everyday.
It’s hard to remain positive, but you need to! Sometimes even just for your own sanity. Informational interviews have really helped me stay knowledgeable about the industry I am pursuing and have enabled me to meet some awesome people that I wouldn’t have been able to if I had started working right after school.
The purpose of these interviews is not to ask, “ARE YOU HIRING?” Use them as an exploration of your industry, to seek guidance in the hiring process, and to pick up some valuable information about how to make yourself more marketable in your job search.
In addition, I go to networking events in my area. I know it gets old hearing your teachers and friends tell you to go network, but just do it! Who knows, someone may indeed have a job lead for you and a name you can contact directly.
It’s also important to keep your mind working when you’re unemployed. We are young, active and used to school and friends surrounding us all the time. My head is in the game. My wallet may be empty, but the next time I interview, I know I have the authority to say I deserve that position. Taking this time to stay well-read in your industry is also important. Read blogs, news websites and start conversations with people wherever you are.
Finances are also a huge issue when you find yourself out of work. At the end of the day, you want to land your dream job, but you have to make ends meet. Those ungodly loan statements that come in proclaiming your $10,000 loan will be $30,000 in 10 years doesn’t help the stress either.
In a recent Business Week article, “Retirement: Gen Y’s Empty Piggy Bank,” Mark Scott discusses how Gen Y is “the first do-it-yourself retirement generation.” Because of this, several investment companies (like Charles Schwab) are making their websites and outreach more Millennial friendly so we can learn about paying back debt, investing, and retirement (things our generation has been avoiding). Fidelity has a new iPhone app to help track our retirement savings. Take advantage of these outlets so you can prevent being stuck in debt in the future.
Try to keep in mind, when you do get that job and eventually move up, you can be that person who advocates hiring interns and taking recent grads on staff. One day you will be that very person giving an unemployed hopeful that chance, that one e-mail or phone call that will help get their life on track. Just remember that when you’re feeling like things aren’t going to shape up.
Photo by Laughing Squid
