Entering the Workforce
So, you’re ready to enter the ranks of the working world for the first time. Congratulations! Ease your transition into the workforce with this Web guide, which will tell you where to find internships and summer jobs, pick up tips for the job application process, find advice for that first job and even get help on finding a job without a college degree. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.
Expand All Guide SectionsTransitioning from School to Work
The transition from school to the working world can be difficult. You have to wake up early, dedicate your schedule to work, follow a dress code, endure the daily commute and pay your bills. Welcome to that “real world” you’ve been hearing so much about. Luckily, the Internet can help you enter the workplace with confidence.
Dulcinea's Insight
- This guide presents a selection of links devoted to finding that first job. If you’re thinking more long-term and want to focus on launching (or advancing) your career, be sure to see the findingDulcinea Careers Web Guide.
- The Internet has made the job search process both easier and more difficult: now you need to make sure your online identity is just as stellar as your offline identity. Don’t miss the “Creating Your Identity Online” section of the findingDulcinea Job Hunting Web Guide for more information.
- For more advice on leaving college and entering the real world, visit the findingDulcinea Post-College Survival Web Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For general information about transitioning into work …
eCampusTours
provides advice on leaving behind college life and entering the working world. Find practical tips on things like changing sleep habits, preparing for entry-level jobs and purchasing interview-ready attire.
For managing finances after graduation …
NPR
offers a short audio segment for college students on how to handle their personal finances after graduation. Learn how to manage your spending and save for the future.
Who knew?
Have a hard time getting up early? You’re not alone. Read how Steve Pavlina, author of the blog StevePavlina.com, trained himself to get up at 5 a.m.
Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
Many entry-level jobs require not only a degree, but also a year or two of work experience. If your summer job waiting tables isn’t cutting it on your resume, consider gaining work experience through internships, work abroad programs or through volunteer opportunities with nonprofit organizations like the Peace Corps or Teach for America. Read on for tips on finding a great internship or volunteer gig to beef up your qualifications.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you’re in college, the best place to find an internship is through your campus career development office or their Web site.
- If an internship isn’t for you, how about a work abroad program? Take a look at the findingDulcinea Long-Term Travel Abroad Web Guide to get inspired to work in an exotic foreign locale.
- For more information on summer jobs or short-term jobs, read the findingDulcinea Part-time Jobs Web Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For general information about internships …
CampusCareerCenter.com
introduces the different kinds of internships, including co-ops, practicums, externships, field experience, service learning and apprenticeships.
Bankrate.com
walks you through 15 steps to follow in order to get a good internship. If you have any doubts about the importance of an internship, take a look at a related article, “Internship is a good career move.”
For internship and part-time job search engines …
CollegeHelpers.com
hosts a list of part-time job opportunities, internships and summer jobs for college students looking for off-campus work. Register with the site for free to begin searching.
CareerBuilder
devotes this section of its Web site specifically to internships. Search by category, city, state or “Hot Internships.”
Craigslist
posts job listings in a variety of categories. Choose your city or state and search the “jobs” category in your area of interest. Narrow the results by checking the “internship” or “part-time” boxes near the top of the page, or try the “gigs” section for one-time or temporary employment opportunities.
For volunteer opportunities …
Transitions Abroad
has lots of information on living, working, traveling and studying abroad. The article, “How to Work Abroad After College,” is a combination of personal experience and general information. Don’t miss the helpful Web sites listed at the end of the article, and some useful links on the left sidebar.
Vault
helps you decide whether to work for organizations like the Peace Corps or Teach for America. Read “A Day in the Life” of a Teach for America teacher and a Peace Corps volunteer stationed in Senegal.
AmeriCorps
is dedicated to community service and involves work in “education, public safety, health, and the environment.” Jobs include things like tutoring disadvantaged youth, cleaning parks or building public housing, among many other possibilities. Browse the site to learn more about part-time and full-time positions.
The Job Application Process
Self-promotion may seem narcissistic and pretentious, but it’s vital in the working world. Once you’ve targeted potential employers, you’ll have to encapsulate your life in a one-page resume, spotlight your strengths during interviews and shamelessly network to get a job. Use the sites below to research organizations and figure out where you might want to work, and learn how to make yourself stand out from the crowd.
Dulcinea's Insight
- A common mistake of those looking for their first jobs is to rely completely on job search engines like Monster and Craigslist. Although these are good places to start, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Your first job may very well be found through a person you know, not a Web site you visit.
Dulcinea's Picks
For help with resumes, cover letters and interviews …
CollegeGrad.com
has a wide variety of resources for the college grad looking for work. Use the “Preparation” section on the left sidebar to find links on how to create an entry-level resume, write cover letters and prepare for an interview. Each topic comes with lots of concrete examples and checklists.
JobWeb
has interview and resume tips for new college graduates. Browse the linked articles to find specific topics of interest.
Wise Bread
, a community of bloggers, has a valuable entry entitled “How to answer 23 of the most common interview questions,” written by an advertising copywriter. Look for such gems as “What motivates you to do a good job?” and “What’s your biggest weakness?” Some of the tips primarily apply to people who have already held a job, but you should be able to glean some useful information.
For job networking …
Get Out Today
provides “8 Networking Tips” that help you access those jobs that aren’t advertised. Though there may be some grammatical errors scattered throughout the article, the information is valuable.
LinkedIn
is a popular site that allows you to connect with old classmates, potential colleagues and other professionals and get advice. That senior you took notes for as a freshman might want to return the favor and get you an interview. Set up a profile for free and start searching.
Jobster
is a search engine and networking site in one. Create a profile, add "tags" (keywords) to your profile and network with other users.
Starting Your First Job
Even though your first job probably won’t be your last, you still want to be happy, enjoy what you’re doing and hopefully make a decent living. The links below can show you the ins and outs of job etiquette and how to navigate workplace politics. Read on to learn how to make the transition into your first job as pleasant as possible.
Dulcinea's Insight
- People who have already entered the workforce can be a great source of advice and guidance, and many of them post on blogs and forums. Try a blog search engine like Technorati or BlogPulse to find helpful information.
- As always when surfing online, be careful about the information you share. Anyone can contribute to or read the discussion, so don’t give away sensitive or damaging information—especially something that you wouldn’t want a potential employer to read.
Dulcinea's Picks
For doing well at your first job …
Natavi Guides
was created by Wesleyan University graduates to help students handle various college and post-college related issues. Read “Acing Your First Job…From the Start,” for some words of wisdom on how to handle those first few weeks at a new job.
Monster.com
offers a few pointers and insights on how to “Make the Most of Your First Job.” Get tips on building skills, learning about the organizational culture and getting feedback on your performance.
CNNMoney.com
confronts an issue that many recent college grads face: what do you do if your shiny new job isn’t what you expected? What if you’re not getting interesting responsibilities? Also be sure to read the articles on changing your mind after accepting a job, and the 5 major mistakes made by new graduates.
For young women in the workforce …
Hannah Seligson
is a journalist, public speaker and author of the book “New Girl On the Job: Advice from the Trenches," a collection of interviews with hundreds of women about starting their careers. Read Seligson’s blog and articles on the topic, but note that the site is a bit slow to load.
Getting a Job Without a College Degree
There’s no question that, on average, those with college degrees make more money in the long run than those without a degree. But it’s not always necessary to obtain a college degree, and there’s still money to be made without one. Use the sites below to learn what’s available for those lacking a four-year degree, and how to find that first job without a degree and minimal, if any, job experience. You’ll also find some information on schools that offer associate degrees.
Dulcinea's Insight
- The major tactics for finding a job without a degree remain the same: you’ll need strong interviewing skills, a cover letter and a resume that highlight your strengths, and the ability to network. Networking is arguably even more important for those without a degree so be sure to consider the advice in the sections above.
- Many of the online tools for finding a job remain the same. Use the findingDulcinea Job Hunting Web Guide and the findingDulcinea Careers Web Guide to learn as much as possible about finding your first job.
Dulcinea's Picks
For lists of jobs that don’t require a college degree …
CNN.com
, in conjunction with CareerBuilder.com, presents “20 great jobs that don't require a degree.” As the article states, college degrees may offer the possibility of a higher salary, but you don’t need a college degree for job security. The jobs are based on the book, “300 Best Jobs Without a Four-Year Degree.”
AskMen.com
has a list of nine jobs that don’t require a four-year degree. Find a short summary of each job along with a starting salary range.
To find a job without a degree …
The Employment Times
offers an article, “Finding Careers Without a Degree,” that not presents occupations that don’t require a four-year degree and also lists the skills and training needed for these occupations. You’ll also find jobs that require only on-the-job training.
UnionDemocrat.com
offers insight and advice to those without a degree in the article “No degree? No shortage of job ops.” Though the article specifically cites statistics and examples from Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties in California, the advice can be helpful to those living anywhere.
Msnbc.com
has a short article that shows you how to make the most of your skills and get your foot in the door, without a degree.
To get an associate degree …
Education-Portal
offers a list of associate degree programs with links to descriptions, a summary of the coursework, career info including salary information and a list of recommended schools. Scroll down the left side for a video explaining what an associate degree is and the two main types.
Peterson’s
offers a comprehensive directory of “Career Colleges” (also known as trade schools). Search by program type, location or college name to find a school near you.
Who knew?
CareerBuilder.com
points out six “hot shots” who are quite successful, despite lacking a college degree.
© 2009 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
