Tips for Recent Grads

Congratulations, you now have a newly minted media/communications degree. Now what?

> Consider internships (paid or otherwise)

While everyone needs to pay the bills, experience counts big in a competitive marketplace. Often, internships can turn into part-time employment or freelance work until a full-time opportunity opens up.

> Work on the side

If you’re a social networking guru or have always dreamed of being a consultant/publicist, you may want to help friends or business contacts promote projects. This can only boost skills and add to the “recent projects” section of your resume as you continue to search for gainful employment.

You may not have to start an official business. Or you may want to take the time to consider entrepreneurship, contacting your city’s business library or business development office to obtain the correct certification. Before you know it, that part-time initiative could turn into an additional revenue stream—valuable in today’s cyclical economy. It’s wise not to put all your eggs in one basket.

For example, Jason Sadler started I Wear Your Shirt.com earlier this year, ran a YouTube promo looking for new hires (what a brilliant PR idea to gain exposure for his company) and will bring four employees on board Jan. 1; he’s been all over the press. The concept is that businesses “purchase a day” and then Jason’s team of 5 promoters wear your t-shirt and promote the heck out of your product online and in real time.

It’s a smart concept that breaks through the clutter and allows you to penetrate valuable niche markets that are out of your usual stream of consciousness. As you build your business, think about new markets can you create. Consider who you can tap in your circles of connections?

Tip: understand and know your value. Do research to find out what the market will bear and develop a project rate card; you can always raise your rates as you gain experience and get a few projects and outstanding results under your belt. Think about an hourly rate for your services. Roll up your sleeves and do the hard work now. If you’re confident in your talents, people will ask for more, and you want to step forward with pride and professionalism.

> Devise a “100 Day Plan”

Used by many business gurus to achieve outstanding success, think about goals you’d like to achieve for 2011, then fast-track chunks of the process into
For example, if your goal is to have a job by spring, then it makes sense to be dedicated to the task and develop an actionable plan

> Have an action plan / daily agenda

Many experts agree that if you achieve three serious goals each day you’re doing pretty well. If you set too many goals, it’s too easy to swerve off course. Develop the discipline to work on critical projects first, saving time burners like checking email and social networking sites to structured (and limited) periods of the day—unless of course you’re fortunate enough to have that as your day job! Over time, stretch to achieve five or seven goals each day.

> Get up an hour earlier

You’ll see your productivity soar. I usually rise at 4 am during the school year to write and reflect while the house is quiet. Once I get to campus around 8:30 am, at least one or two of my primary goals have already been accomplished; this allows my day to quickly kick into high gear!

> Schedule informational interviews

Speak with people you admire and trust in the area you want to work. These are not employment interviews; they put you touch with people who can introduce you to others who may have employment contacts. Let them know your areas of interest; ask about industry trends. Learn to compete in the world of ideas—help the generation above you understand what makes the 25-35 market tick! Become their “go to” resource to kick around fresh ideas.

Use the first few weeks of the new year to your advantage. You’d be surprised at who might actually pick up the phone! Be succinct and have your pitch ready. Busy people don’t have time to waste … and neither do you! You’re anxious for them to see your energy and enthusiasm so they can point you to the right opportunities at their company or one in your industry segment of choice.

> Associate! See and be seen

Force yourself into the mix and immerse yourself in the field you’d ideally like to explore. Join a professional networking group. If you can’t immediately afford the sometimes hefty fees, email or call and see if you can perhaps volunteer. Professionals usually never turn away sincere, eager young people who can assist them at special events or industry “insider” opportunities.

The Center for Communication and Media Bistro events should be on your list in the coming months. Make it a point to attend as many events as you can in any given week.

> Do your homework

Use downtime to get a leg up on the competition. For any opportunity that you’re exploring, it pays to be savvy in your approach. In order to stand out, you’ve got to do your due diligence in order to make employees see it would be unwise for them not to hire you for the position. Know your stuff and be “hungry” for the opportunity; not “starving,” (which can appear too needy) but “hungry.” People like to do business with confident people who are on top of their game.

> Let your network work for you

Work to connect or reconnect with any and everyone who can help you. Don’t always ask; be prepared to give. Be well-read and share links to industry news. Keep abreast of mentions in the trade media. Be proactive and offer to help out if there’s a project or volunteer opportunity where you might be able to meet people in the know.

Social networking is fine, but don’t forget phone calls, the power of personal handwritten notes or persuasive face-to-face meetings. By harnessing the power of a sincere thank you, coupled with a written invitation, I have literally met publishers and CEOs over the years (true) and been the envy of colleagues who marveled, “How did you do that?”

Simple, action generates results; not every time but often. You gain insight and confidence for your next step up the rung of the ladder of success by taking it one step and a time. This includes asking for advice and tips—particularly when youth is on your side! ACT NOW and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results.

> Consider a move

If your family situation permits, why not consider an international move? Former students have landed wonderful opportunities in Hong Kong and Europe by taking a leap of faith, which ultimately panned out. You can always come back to New York as VP of your company’s North American business unit. Why not you? You can make it happen!

In sum, finding a job is a serious business. It takes persistence, but you’re certainly up to the task. Only you can chart the future course of your career. Best of luck in the weeks and months ahead, and do touch base to let me know where you’ve landed!

Your mentor on the fast track to success,

Lynne Scott Jackson
Distinguished Lecturer
The City College of New York

Millynneum Inc.
Marketing, Media & Public Affairs

lynne.scottjackson@gmail.com
917.748.8917 - cell