Poem: Can't Help But Wonder

Dreams consume my sleep
wake up still thinking of you
wishing everything could be better
easier, relaxing, relieving
love takes over my mind
controls my heart
deception is prominent
can't think straight around you
i can't make my own decisions
would like to do so many things
feel like i'm being held back
don't want to regret us
don't want to regret giving up on my dreams
second guessing isn't fun though
can't help but wonder
what's on the other end of the rainbow?
can't help but wonder
if there's life out there
if we stay together, will i forget
not pursuing my dreams?
will i regret not traveling?
but if we do go our separate ways
we will wonder what could've been
whatever happens,
i will love you forever
there will always be a special place
for you in my heart

written August 28th

Five Tips for Job Searching as a New College Grad

It can be frustrating looking for a job as a college senior or new graduate. You're competing with your peers and everyone else already in the job market. And you're being told you don't have enough experience, yet no one seems to want to give you the chance to get the experience. Before you get to senior year, try for an internship or two, and/or relevant volunteer work and/or part-time job in your field.

Listed below are some tips and resources to use in your job search.

1. Tap into Your Alumni Network
Get in touch with your college or universities alumni office and ask if they know of any alumni in your preferred industry who would be willing to give you some advice or know of any job openings. Many alumni are more than happy and willing to help students and young alumni find their footing. You already share two things in common - your alma mater and choice of career, why not start there instead of cold networking? Make sure to follow-up with a thank you note to the staff member who connected you to an alumnus/a, and also to the alumnus/a. An email would suffice, but a legible handwritten note would go much further.

Also, create a profile on your alumni website if one exists. Network that way in addition to calling the alumni office. Volunteer for events, and attend networking events.

2. Tell everyone and anyone you're job searching
If you don't bring it up, how are your connections going to know you're looking? It's why your connections are called connections. Your network could connect you with someone else who knows someone else who knows someone else in a company hiring in your field. Just keep asking.

3. Create a LinkedIn profile
Create a profile, and keep it updated. Don't treat it like a resume and instead keep it more conversational, yet still professional. Introduce yourself when you send an invitation to connect. It makes it more personal and courteous instead of blindly sending a cold invitation. It opens the door for a conversation that could potentially lead to something positive. Plus, people will recognize that you realize there is a person on the other end, not just a profile and will remember that human connection if you reach out to them again later.

4. Utilize Multiple Career Sites
Use Monster, CareerBuilder, and Indeed. There are plenty of entry-level positions on these sites. Make sure your resume and profile are current and reflect the appropriate experience for the kind of jobs you are looking for. Respond to inquiries, even if you're not interested. It shows you have respect, and are also responsible in recognizing what you're looking for.

5. Sign up for and attend career workshops/seminars/webinars
You may be able to find out about these events through your school's career services office, and/or alumni office. Brush up on your interview skills and get tips on your resume, cover letter, and non-verbal and verbal communication skills. You may also learn how to network here too, and wardrobe advice especially on a budget.