Finding a job after graduation can be one of the most stressful pressures that college students face. Many students are unsure of their potential to be hired for professional jobs, and with the added responsibility of paying back student loans, many are left feeling anxious and confused.

Luckily, SAGU’s Beverly Robinson agreed to be interviewed and answer common questions that college students have about starting their careers. Robinson is the director of the Career Development Center, and she has over twenty years of experience helping SAGU graduates achieve their goals and start successful careers. When it comes to being passionate about helping students find jobs, no one is more fervent than Robinson.

Below are eight common questions about getting a job after graduation. Pay attention to the helpful tips at the end of each answer to ensure that you are in the best position possible to jumpstart your career.

What can I do while I’m in college that will increase my chances of finding a job?

Getting a college degree does not guarantee that you will get a job when you graduate. However, there are several things you can do during your time at SAGU that will increase your chances of getting a good job.

Working, interning, and volunteering can make you more hirable after graduation, specifically if you participate in fields that are related to where you want to work after graduation. These activities show employers that you have work skills and not just school skills.

Robinson says, “Get some experience in the field you are pursuing. Also, be involved in activities and organizations around campus.”

She also recommends that you build your future network. Although there are different ways to build your network, some effective methods are building strong relationships with your professors, other students in your major, and professionals in the field you want to work in.

TIP: Have meetings with your professors. Tell them about your future goals and ask for help. They often have connections in their field and know about intern opportunities.

Are internships worth my time?

According to Robinson, “Internships are KEY for your career.”

Hands-on experience and work history can make you very appealing to future employers. Many companies hire from within their pool of interns, and interning is a practical way to show employers that you have great potential as an employee. It is also a great way to build that network we talked about earlier.

TIP: Don’t be too quick to turn down unpaid internships. Of course, paid internships are good (especially for short-term goals), but unpaid internships can be great for long-term goals. Doing great work for an unpaid internship could help set you apart in a competitive field.

Do Employers care about my GPA?

This question is a little more complicated. Having a good GPA shows your prospective employer that you are capable of following instructions and meeting deadlines. It also sends a positive message about your standards and work ethic.

However, Robinson says, “If you sacrifice a social life, being involved in activities, and working for the sake of studying to get a 4.0 GPA, you have done yourself a disservice.”

She goes on to explain that many employers are looking for “soft skills” that cannot be learned in a classroom. Soft skills are things like effectively communicating with co-workers, time management, creative problem-solving, etc. There is an increasing demand for these skills in the workforce, and they are learned from working with people instead of studying or notetaking in the classroom.

TIP: If you have a low GPA, try to raise your grades to show that you care about your work. If you have a high GPA (especially a 4.0), consider whether or not you are trading work experience and relationships for academic perfectionism.

When should I start looking for a job? During my last year/semester or after I graduate?

When it comes to looking for a good career job, many students are anxious about not being hired. Most students wait to look for a job until after they have graduated, but this could be detrimental to your success.

Robinson says, “Students should always be looking at prospective employers/companies that they’d be interested in working for. But, when they’re beginning their senior year is when they need to be submitting applications, interviewing, etc. Don’t wait until the week before graduation or the week after and expect to be hired on the spot."

It is important to note that getting a good career job can be a long process. It often times involves a long wait after submitting an application, multiple interviews, etc.

TIP: When you start your senior year, make a list of places you would like to work. Start contacting those companies and making connections. Gather reference letters, create a resume and cover letter, and start applying. If you are already in your senior year, start immediately.

Where should I look for a job?

According to Robinson, “The best place to connect and look for a job is through your network of friends. Who do you know that knows someone that knows someone that has an open position?”

She also recommends Handshake, an app/website that the majority of universities in the United States use and that employers utilize to find prospective employees. She also recommends LinkedIn, and she suggests that you use it to connect with SAGU alumni in the area you want to work in.

Indeed.com is also a good website for finding jobs, and the Career Development office is always available to assist students in their search for open positions.

TIP: Many popular companies have so many inquiries and applicants that they don’t bother posting about open positions. So, don’t only look for companies that advertise job openings.

Should I think about “lowering” my standards when looking for my first post-graduation job?

Robinson explains that you don’t need to lower your standards but you do need to be realistic. Although having a bachelor’s degree can help you get a better job, moving up a company’s ladder still takes time.

“You won’t start at the top of an organization just because you have a bachelor's degree. Be open to the entry-level positions where you can work your way up the chain of command,” she says.

It’s also important to be realistic about wage expectations. Students are often hoping for high-paying jobs because they have to start paying back their student loans, but it usually takes time to build up a substantial salary.

TIP: When looking for a job, don’t just look at the starting salary/position. Investigate the potential for advancement, and be willing to put in the time.

What do I need to know about resumes?

Perhaps the most important thing to know about job hunting is that your resume is critical. Robinson says, “...it has to be PERFECT! A typo, or mis-spelling on a resume tells the employer you don’t pay attention to detail, and you rushed through it.”

Luckily, every student at SAGU has the opportunity to create a professional and optimized resume. The Career Development Center is always available to examine, analyze, and proofread resumes. The director is a “Certified Professional Resume Writer,” so you can be confident that she will help you put forth your best resume.

TIP: Do NOT use a template. Many Microsoft Word users utilize the program’s resume template, but templates tell employers that you take shortcuts. This is another area where the Career Development Center can help you.

Final Thoughts

Robinson says that her biggest tip is “VISIT THE CAREER CENTER.” If you attend SAGU, part of your tuition payment is used to provide you with this resource. You are paying for it, so you might as well use it. The Career Development Center is probably your best resource for finding a good job once you graduate.

Remember that the salary or position of your future job is less important than being where God wants you to be. No amount of money or level of status will be able to replace fulfilling the calling God has on your life. Every job search should start with prayer and petition, and obedience should trump convenience.

Good luck with starting your careers, and thank you for reading.

The Image would like to thank Beverly Robinson for being passionate about helping students with their careers and for being willing to help with this article.

Article by Samantha Proctor