T4R Networking - Recent College Graduate Actively looking for Full-time

[Flava Flav]

Hey guys,

Hope everyone in the T4R family is having a good day. As we all know, the forum was generated with the intent of exchanging ideas as we all aim to build or rig, giving it some sort of flare while adding our own little unique touches. But yes, while building and sharing ideas is the PRIMARY use of the forum, I'd like to believe that Networking :keyboard: is a conciliation or secondary use of the forum.

Anyway, the reason I'm posting this (as you can see in the thread title) is because I am a recent college graduate. arty: Now that I have completed that phase in life, I am ready to move on to the next phase in life and begin to develop my professional career. Yes, while I am utilizing other sources, I figured I would use some of the encouragement I received from DEKA3 and post here on the General Discussion board seeing how again this can serve as a chance for me to network as I actively peruse a professional career.

Bckgrd:
Education: Clemson University (B.S. Dec, 2011), N. Carolina A&T SU (Aug. '06 - May '07)
Major: Graphic Communications
Cert./Awards: Eagle Scout, Cooperative Education, Dean's List (2007)

So yes, just a slight glimpse on me and some of my accomplishments. Hopefully it was enough to maybe intrigue someone's attention. While I am per suing a career either in the Graphics or Printing Industry, I am keeping myself open to various opportunities. Should you yourself or perhaps someone you know possibly be interested, please do not hesitate to send me a PM and we can arrange for a more formal introduction and can exchange more detail information.

OK, on that note, I will end this thread but, before I do, I would like to thank any and everyone for taking the time to read this. I am confident that upon posting this, I am to receive some positive feedback. Again, I would like to send a special thanks to DEKA3 for his encouragement on posting this thread. Thank you again everyone. :thanks:

Aspiring young professional,

Flava Flav

 

[jca21]

as someone who graduated, then went back into school because of the job market, i wish you good luck.

 

[Flava Flav]

as someone who graduated, then went back into school because of the job market, i wish you good luck.

Thanks guy, appreciate the regards. But no, I know what you're saying. Its something I've been toying with, but may have to get serious about that possibility by the end of this month. Had a few great leads leading to second round interviews but obviously, when it comes down to it...none of that means anything if you're unable to land an actual offer. Still waiting on something to turn out though. Thanks again though guy.

 

[jca21]

do you have an alumni association where you could network through?

 

[Flava Flav]

You know...im sure there is one in my hometown in the Carolina's but currently I'm still in the Clemson area. I've been trying to branch out to some friends I know have previously graduated from the major. So yea, I've been using a number of sources as I'm trying to gain as much exposure as I possibly could.

 

[jca21]

are there any sort of expos or conventions/conferences held for your field?

maybe you could get in on one and try to network there?

 

[Flava Flav]

are there any sort of expos or conventions/conferences held for your field?

maybe you could get in on one and try to network there?

Yea no, there definitely are other channels that I'm exploring, I just figured it couldn't hurt if I posted here considering there may be a chance that someone was involved in the industry. Just trying to gain maximum exposure. But yea, I'm utilizing other channels.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Have you applied anywhere?

I heard Clemson's alumni association is pretty good. I know I get about 2-3 emails per week in my major talking about companies hiring for positions...and I haven't even graduated yet.

Where did you co-op?

 

[DC runner]

As someone who is in the working world and has been out of college for a bit. I graduated undergrad in 2006 and went to grad school in 2007-2009.

I took time off during undergrad and worked. This is a rough market. So here are some tips:

1. Be willing to move. Be willing to move and be assertive in your job hunt.

2. Intern. Intern. Intern, Intern. I work in Congress, where it is almost impossible to get a job. We have people shoving resumes down our throats every single day. Perfectly qualified people who will never get a job here because the spots are too few and the qualified candidate pool to large.

When an open position comes open we first look to interns or past interns.

In today's job market you will need to work MUCH harder to get a job than you would of in the past. You are probably going to need to intern, for free, at 1 or 2 places before you see a serious job offer.

I say this not to discourage you but to get you going on the right path. I have NO idea what you want to do with your degree, but pick a few possible places and apply for their internship programs.

Be willing to work 2 or 3 or 6 months for little money and you will have a much better chance of landing a serious job on the other side.


Finally. Be the best in your field. If yours is a field where many people go to grad school, then you need to seriously consider graduate school. With the job market the way it is now, if they can get someone with a higher education for the same salary (which they can), then they are going to go with them. I went and got my M.A. because I saw it was needed.

Hope that helps. It is tough... but keep looking, pray and bust your ass. You will get one eventually.

 

[Flava Flav]

Have you applied anywhere?

I heard Clemson's alumni association is pretty good. I know I get about 2-3 emails per week in my major talking about companies hiring for positions...and I haven't even graduated yet.

Where did you co-op?

Cool, I will definitely check out the Alumni Center, thats the place across from Bowman field and right below CHouse, right?

As someone who is in the working world and has been out of college for a bit. I graduated undergrad in 2006 and went to grad school in 2007-2009.

I took time off during undergrad and worked. This is a rough market. So here are some tips:

1. Be willing to move. Be willing to move and be assertive in your job hunt.

2. Intern. Intern. Intern, Intern. I work in Congress, where it is almost impossible to get a job. We have people shoving resumes down our throats every single day. Perfectly qualified people who will never get a job here because the spots are too few and the qualified candidate pool to large.

When an open position comes open we first look to interns or past interns.

In today's job market you will need to work MUCH harder to get a job than you would of in the past. You are probably going to need to intern, for free, at 1 or 2 places before you see a serious job offer.

I say this not to discourage you but to get you going on the right path. I have NO idea what you want to do with your degree, but pick a few possible places and apply for their internship programs.

Be willing to work 2 or 3 or 6 months for little money and you will have a much better chance of landing a serious job on the other side.


Finally. Be the best in your field. If yours is a field where many people go to grad school, then you need to seriously consider graduate school. With the job market the way it is now, if they can get someone with a higher education for the same salary (which they can), then they are going to go with them. I went and got my M.A. because I saw it was needed.

Hope that helps. It is tough... but keep looking, pray and bust your ass. You will get one eventually.

Yea, definitely great words of advice. I can say that I've already followed through on some of what you're saying. I have already served three internships one of which was in HS for an engineering Co. and other work experiences in multiple states. Not too concerned about relocating as I don't care too much to stay in the South...not in SC anyway even though I'm from there....unless its FL. And if it is in FL (in the words of Dabo Swinney) I'm ALL IN :driving: But yea, hopefully this will place me ahead of the pack. As for Grad school, its not really something too imperative to my major/industry but it definitely wouldn't hurt me and like you said, it can increase my competitive value as opposed to someone who may simply have a BS/BA degree or what have you. But no, again I do appreciate your friendly advice.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Cool, I will definitely check out the Alumni Center, thats the place across from Bowman field and right below CHouse, right?

Yep, but I think you could contact them online. Or if you're still in town then it really doesn't matter.