Many college students are well aware that there is a whole new world awaiting us post-graduation. Some may be adequately prepared on how to obtain a career within certain fields, while others remain uncertain about what the “next step” is. This may go beyond just students and can apply to faculty and other members of the campus community that are striving to be more well versed in the current conditions of the workforce. 

If you are someone that has recently been thinking about their career path post-graduation, there are various sources and individuals that can help you achieve what you are looking for. One of these helpful individuals is Monica Hack. Hack, a Stanislaus State alumna, has been a job counselor at the San Joaquin Employment Development Department Office (EDD) for 20 years and is extremely knowledgeable on how the workforce looks like today. She shares guidance on how to properly be prepared and squash any worries students may have about their near future.

Hack said that the first step to being career ready is to “have a marketable resume.” If you are unaware of how to build a resume, there are various websites and generators that are available to you for free to help you get started. In fact, LinkedIn offers a resume builder feature on their website once you make an account. 

LinkedIn employee Eveleen Pabla and Stan State alumna elaborated on the tools that the platform provides. 

“I would say LinkedIn is a very great resource,” Pabla said. “From brushing up on skills through their courses or reaching out to someone in your field to ask them a few questions, it can be super helpful. It is easy to use and easy to connect with like-minded individuals through the platform.” 

Another website that serves as a worldwide employment website for job listings is Indeed. Not only does Indeed have a 65 percent success rate on their website, but they also add 10 new jobs to their site every second globally.

Other steps Hack recommends students take to be adequately prepared are to complete your degree, start to build your experience with employment and internship opportunities, and practice interviewing skills and applying for jobs online.

If you need help finding out about these internship opportunities or on what employment looks like within your major, check out some of the events that are offered here right on campus or via Zoom. Stanislaus State offers various workshops that are helpful tools to students approaching graduation or are curious about the workforce all together. Upcoming events that may eliminate some of your concerns include Internships 101 and Graduating, Now What?

Jaswinder Singh (senior, Business Administration) said, “I am most uncertain about how long it will take me to obtain a job within my field of work.” 

Singh wishes to obtain a career in accounting and finances and does not know what to expect. A common concern from our students is the duration in which it will take for them to be hired on and when they can start working. Hack reminds people that it is okay if the applying process takes time post-graduation. The entire process is all about patience and resilience. 

For example, when asked how many positions she applied for after her last year at Stan State, Rupika Pabla (Facebook/Meta Employee) said, “I applied to tons! If you apply to 20, maybe three people will reply. I applied to maybe 70 to 80 jobs. Job hunting is about patience and can take up to six months to a year to land a job.” 

A study byWashington’s Employment/Education Program Services proves that it takes the average college graduate three to six months to secure employment after graduation.

It may also be helpful to start applying to positions during your last semester, that way your job is lined up for you right after graduation. That is what Eveleen Pabla and Rupika Pabla did. They did not let any opportunities pass them and were persistent in pursuing their goal. However, everyone has different circumstances and goals which may make it more difficult for an individual to achieve said aspirations. For example, a month after graduation, Hack had her first child. This put a halt on her job search, but she got back on her feet and into the workforce eleven months later. Others may also want to travel, take a gap year, or continue being a full-time student. 

Ultimately, everyone journeys across different paths. Whether it may be a career path or life path, they are all unique to the individual. However, it is imperative that we are aware of and prepared for that “next-step” if that is the path we wish to take. With that said, the resources offered to us on campus, through LinkedIn, Indeed, or via Monica Hack at the EDD office, there are a number of resources to help students get there.

For more information on career-based sessions and workshops visit Stanislaus State’s Events today! Monica Hack can be contacted for her services via telephone at (209) 558-8823, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.