Don't Sweat the Job Stuff

It’s great when graduate students find a position in the field they are pursuing, but if you don’t land that dream job right away, don’t sweat it. I don’t anymore.

When I was accepted to Emerson College’s graduate program, I, like many other students, began to feel anxiety about finding a job…quickly. After a month of adjusting to living in a new state, while at the same time applying to numerous jobs at hospitals, other universities, and various offices around Boston, I finally consulted Emerson’s career services website. As soon as I was signed in as an official user, I spotted an office assistant position at a consulting firm just down the street from Emerson. I was hired within a week of my interview, and while now it is sometimes difficult hearing that many of my classmates have jobs in our desired field of study, I know that I am making the right decision by sticking with my job.

If you are offered an opportunity to take a job in your desired career field, you should definitely take it. But if you are someone who needs the security of a paycheck coming in every week, no matter what the field, here are my suggestions for your job search:

· Keep an open mind. Even if a job may not sound attractive, try to get an interview anyway. My job description consisted of moving office furniture, stocking the kitchen, and sorting mail—not terribly exciting stuff. What I found out after being hired was that I had full medical coverage and a free monthly pass for the train; two things WELL worth having in addition to a salary.

· Don’t be stingy about the hours you work. Everyone is bound to miss a social engagement or two because of work—there will be others! Having a steady job, even if it is only part-time, will help give you a schedule that will keep your academic, professional, and social lives organized.

· Utilize your college’s career services site—I mean it! My future boss was very impressed when he learned that I had found the job listing on Emerson’s site, and that I was a full-time student. Being a graduate student helps tremendously when applying for a job. Your potential employer sees that you are focused in pursuing a higher level of education, by your choice.

If you are having trouble finding a position, try not to panic. Consult your school’s career services center as well as the career sections of company websites. Exhaust all possibilities—jobs are out there. If you search thoroughly, you will succeed in finding a job that fits into your busy academic schedule.