15 answers
Terence
Student
Virginia Beach, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
1305 views
How do you get a job coming out of college?
What is the most important thing to know in transition from college to a real life job in order to secure a job which will set you up for your future?
15 answers
Layne Buckley
Human Resources
52
Answers
Salinas, California
Updated
Layne’s Answer
Great question, Karima! The most important advice I can give is to have an open mindset about that first job. Often, people will put too much weight on that first job as defining your entire career. The first job doesn't need to be, and won't always be, perfect. A first job will give experience that you will use over the course of your career, even if it isn't in your perfect industry. The first job will teach you about the work environment, how to navigate different parts of the business and working relationships, and give you foundational experience that you will build off of later. Also, be open that you will not work in your first job your entire career. People are often in their first job one to two years then move to a new role or organization to continue to gain experience in their career. My first job was actually in the career I had wanted to go into, but in that job I learned that I wanted to do something else! My second job I got into to just try out an industry, and found I loved it, and it became my career.
Be open
Don't put too much weight on the first job
Maximize the first job by learning as much as you can
Be a lifelong learner
Layne recommends the following next steps:
Ankita Sakhare
23
Answers
Updated
Ankita’s Answer
Landing a job after college comes down to preparation, relationships, and persistence—not just your degree.
Here’s how to make the transition work for you:
Start early – Don’t wait until senior year. Internships, part-time jobs, and networking during college often turn into full-time offers.
Use your campus resources – Career services, alumni networks, job fairs, and professor connections are there to help you. Most students underuse them.
Build experience outside the classroom – Employers care about what you’ve done, not just what you’ve studied. Clubs, projects, internships, and leadership roles help you stand out.
Learn to tell your story – Practice explaining who you are, what you care about, and what you’ve done—clearly and confidently. This matters in interviews, networking, and resumes.
Be flexible, but intentional – Your first job doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should teach you something, grow your skills, and move you in the direction you want to go.
Most important thing to know:
Your network matters as much as your resume. Talk to people in the field, ask questions, and build relationships. Most jobs come from people, not postings.
What kind of career or industry are you aiming for after college?
Here’s how to make the transition work for you:
Start early – Don’t wait until senior year. Internships, part-time jobs, and networking during college often turn into full-time offers.
Use your campus resources – Career services, alumni networks, job fairs, and professor connections are there to help you. Most students underuse them.
Build experience outside the classroom – Employers care about what you’ve done, not just what you’ve studied. Clubs, projects, internships, and leadership roles help you stand out.
Learn to tell your story – Practice explaining who you are, what you care about, and what you’ve done—clearly and confidently. This matters in interviews, networking, and resumes.
Be flexible, but intentional – Your first job doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should teach you something, grow your skills, and move you in the direction you want to go.
Most important thing to know:
Your network matters as much as your resume. Talk to people in the field, ask questions, and build relationships. Most jobs come from people, not postings.
What kind of career or industry are you aiming for after college?
Pat L
Human Resources
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Pat’s Answer
As many have mentioned, be open minded about your first job opportunity. You may just find that the field you had studied for during college isn't even the field you're in 10 years down the line. Your first few roles, whatever they end up being, will be significant learning experiences. Do not be afraid to challenge yourself and fail at times, because that is the best way to learn and grow.
Karima MOUELHI
Learning and development
13
Answers
Tunis, Tunisia
Updated
Karima’s Answer
Success comes down to preparation and persistence. Start by gaining experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities before you graduate. Take advantage of networking—connect with professors, attend career fairs, engage on LinkedIn, and reach out to alumni, as many job opportunities often come through alumni connections.
Tailor your resume for each application to align with the specific requirements of the role. Be ready to articulate how your college projects, experiences, and skills make you a strong candidate. Transitioning into the workforce requires adaptability, professionalism, and a willingness to grow.
Demonstrate your enthusiasm to learn and contribute from day one. The more intentional and proactive you are in pursuing roles that align with your goals, the greater the long-term payoff. Always believe on yourself ! and keep trying , keep applying !
Tailor your resume for each application to align with the specific requirements of the role. Be ready to articulate how your college projects, experiences, and skills make you a strong candidate. Transitioning into the workforce requires adaptability, professionalism, and a willingness to grow.
Demonstrate your enthusiasm to learn and contribute from day one. The more intentional and proactive you are in pursuing roles that align with your goals, the greater the long-term payoff. Always believe on yourself ! and keep trying , keep applying !
Karim BEN MOHAMED
Customer relation team
3
Answers
Tunis, Tunisia
Updated
Karim’s Answer
First, take some time to really understand what you want to achieve. Next, create a strong resume that shows off your skills and experiences. Then, apply thoughtfully to jobs that match your goals. Finally, get ready for your interviews and keep everything organized. You can do this!
Kate Wang
PM
12
Answers
Dalian, Liaoning, China
Updated
Kate’s Answer
I think it is all about preparation and persistence. You may focus on:
Use internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer roles to build experience before you graduate.
Talk to professors, attend career fairs, connect on LinkedIn, and reach out to alumni. Many jobs come from Alumni.
Don’t use the same resume for every job. Customize it to match what each employer is looking for.
Be ready to explain how your college experiences, projects, and skills make you a great fit.
The transition to work means being adaptable, professional, and ready to grow. Show employers you’re eager to learn and contribute.
Be proactive and intentional—the effort you put into finding the right role for your growth will pay off long term.
Use internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer roles to build experience before you graduate.
Talk to professors, attend career fairs, connect on LinkedIn, and reach out to alumni. Many jobs come from Alumni.
Don’t use the same resume for every job. Customize it to match what each employer is looking for.
Be ready to explain how your college experiences, projects, and skills make you a great fit.
The transition to work means being adaptable, professional, and ready to grow. Show employers you’re eager to learn and contribute.
Be proactive and intentional—the effort you put into finding the right role for your growth will pay off long term.
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
225
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hi Terence,
Thanks for reaching out to us. We’re glad you came here looking for answers to your important questions. You're right, moving from college to real life is a big step for everyone. Let me share a bit of my own journey. Going to college is a special opportunity because not everyone gets to do it. For many, earning a college degree is a big dream. We believe that education is a key to achieving our dreams.
Choosing the right program is also crucial for your success. I imagined the person I wanted to become and picked a program that would help me get there. Not all your classmates will end up working in the field they studied, and that’s okay. Everyone has different paths and challenges, like job availability or salary concerns.
Sometimes you might wonder why what you learned in school doesn’t match the real world. That’s normal. Welcome to the real world! Your college experience has equipped you with important skills like communication, social, and adaptability skills. These will help you fit into any environment. Emotional intelligence will also help you bounce back and thrive, no matter how tough things get.
These skills are your big wins for succeeding in the real world. Remember, if you are prepared emotionally and mentally, your technical skills will shine in job applications. When your college preparation and opportunities meet, you’re ready to go. You’ve got this!
Thanks for reaching out to us. We’re glad you came here looking for answers to your important questions. You're right, moving from college to real life is a big step for everyone. Let me share a bit of my own journey. Going to college is a special opportunity because not everyone gets to do it. For many, earning a college degree is a big dream. We believe that education is a key to achieving our dreams.
Choosing the right program is also crucial for your success. I imagined the person I wanted to become and picked a program that would help me get there. Not all your classmates will end up working in the field they studied, and that’s okay. Everyone has different paths and challenges, like job availability or salary concerns.
Sometimes you might wonder why what you learned in school doesn’t match the real world. That’s normal. Welcome to the real world! Your college experience has equipped you with important skills like communication, social, and adaptability skills. These will help you fit into any environment. Emotional intelligence will also help you bounce back and thrive, no matter how tough things get.
These skills are your big wins for succeeding in the real world. Remember, if you are prepared emotionally and mentally, your technical skills will shine in job applications. When your college preparation and opportunities meet, you’re ready to go. You’ve got this!
Karina Paez Klatt
Sales engineering
1
Answer
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Updated
Karina’s Answer
Hi Terence!
This is a questions with so many different aspects in the answers.
One of the things important in the college that is going to be even more important in the "work life", maybe without paying too much attention to now, is human connections.... Connections are always great to have, they'll give you other perspectives, they may get you work recommendations, etc. So, start attending events of your interest, work fairs and work related tradeshows and try to make real human connections, try to build rapport with others, practice some short conversations to introduce yourself, talk about your skills and interests, you'll be surprised how much you can learn in a few minutes.
Another thing you're already doing but you don't know the importance it will acquire in the future.... is learning to learn, no matter the market or the job you have you'll always need to learn new stuff daily, adapting to change and being able to understand new things and learn new things by yourself will prove very useful in any job, and will make you a valuable team member in any job.
Understanding that, sometimes, people may not be what you expect is also important, and that, even if you do things correctly it is ok to fail. Do not compare your journey with everybody else's.
I whish you the best!
This is a questions with so many different aspects in the answers.
One of the things important in the college that is going to be even more important in the "work life", maybe without paying too much attention to now, is human connections.... Connections are always great to have, they'll give you other perspectives, they may get you work recommendations, etc. So, start attending events of your interest, work fairs and work related tradeshows and try to make real human connections, try to build rapport with others, practice some short conversations to introduce yourself, talk about your skills and interests, you'll be surprised how much you can learn in a few minutes.
Another thing you're already doing but you don't know the importance it will acquire in the future.... is learning to learn, no matter the market or the job you have you'll always need to learn new stuff daily, adapting to change and being able to understand new things and learn new things by yourself will prove very useful in any job, and will make you a valuable team member in any job.
Understanding that, sometimes, people may not be what you expect is also important, and that, even if you do things correctly it is ok to fail. Do not compare your journey with everybody else's.
I whish you the best!
Aroua Bs
Executive assistant
2
Answers
Tunis, Tunisia
Updated
Aroua’s Answer
Take your time to focus on what you truly want and need. Get ready for the interview at your own pace. Remember, there's no rush—you're not in a competition.
Donice Cully
Manager, Talent Acquisition and Operations
8
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Donice’s Answer
Hello! Great Question!
Be prepared and have a clear goal. Knowing what kind of job you want makes your search more focused and effective.
Get internship experience. Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door and gain real-world experience.
Take online courses or earn extra certifications. These can help you stand out from other applicants and show you're proactive about learning.
Use your campus career center. If your school has one, make the most of it! Career advisors can help with resume building, mock interviews, and job search strategies.
Start building your professional network. Connect with people in your field through LinkedIn, events, or alumni networks—it can really open doors.
Apply on job boards. Sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Handshake are great places to start your search.
Be patient. Sometimes, not getting a job isn’t about your qualifications—it’s just a competitive market. Keep going, and don't get discouraged!
Be prepared and have a clear goal. Knowing what kind of job you want makes your search more focused and effective.
Get internship experience. Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door and gain real-world experience.
Take online courses or earn extra certifications. These can help you stand out from other applicants and show you're proactive about learning.
Use your campus career center. If your school has one, make the most of it! Career advisors can help with resume building, mock interviews, and job search strategies.
Start building your professional network. Connect with people in your field through LinkedIn, events, or alumni networks—it can really open doors.
Apply on job boards. Sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Handshake are great places to start your search.
Be patient. Sometimes, not getting a job isn’t about your qualifications—it’s just a competitive market. Keep going, and don't get discouraged!
Kamal Singh Rathore
Associate
1
Answer
Delhi, DL
Updated
Kamal Singh’s Answer
Getting a job after college can feel overwhelming, but having a clear approach can make a big difference.
Start with Self-Awareness
If you entered college with a clear goal in mind—like a specific career or industry—you’re already ahead of the curve. But if you didn’t, that’s completely okay. The important thing is to start now: reflect on your strengths, interests, and what kind of work excites you. Ask yourself what tasks energize you and what environments you thrive in.
Develop Your Skills
Once you have a general direction, focus on building relevant skills. These could be technical skills (like coding, data analysis, or writing) or soft skills (like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving). Take online courses, attend workshops, or start small projects to show your initiative and ability.
Be Proactive and Consistent
Apply for jobs and internships consistently—even if you don’t meet every requirement. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each role, and treat interviews as learning experiences. Don’t get discouraged by rejection; it’s part of the process.
Stay Open to Opportunities
Sometimes the perfect job doesn’t come right away. Be open to internships, volunteer roles, or entry-level positions that can help you get your foot in the door. These experiences often lead to unexpected connections and opportunities.
Network and Seek Guidance
Talk to people in the industry you’re aiming for—professors, alumni, or professionals on LinkedIn. Ask questions, learn from their paths, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or mentorship.
Start with Self-Awareness
If you entered college with a clear goal in mind—like a specific career or industry—you’re already ahead of the curve. But if you didn’t, that’s completely okay. The important thing is to start now: reflect on your strengths, interests, and what kind of work excites you. Ask yourself what tasks energize you and what environments you thrive in.
Develop Your Skills
Once you have a general direction, focus on building relevant skills. These could be technical skills (like coding, data analysis, or writing) or soft skills (like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving). Take online courses, attend workshops, or start small projects to show your initiative and ability.
Be Proactive and Consistent
Apply for jobs and internships consistently—even if you don’t meet every requirement. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each role, and treat interviews as learning experiences. Don’t get discouraged by rejection; it’s part of the process.
Stay Open to Opportunities
Sometimes the perfect job doesn’t come right away. Be open to internships, volunteer roles, or entry-level positions that can help you get your foot in the door. These experiences often lead to unexpected connections and opportunities.
Network and Seek Guidance
Talk to people in the industry you’re aiming for—professors, alumni, or professionals on LinkedIn. Ask questions, learn from their paths, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or mentorship.
Marissa Angelos
Customer Success Manager
3
Answers
Holbrook, New York
Updated
Marissa’s Answer
Great question — and honestly, one a lot of people are afraid to ask. The biggest thing to know is that getting a job out of college isn’t just about your degree — it’s about how you tell your story.
Start by gaining experience any way you can — internships, part-time jobs, campus involvement, volunteer work — and then practice explaining what you learned from those experiences. Show that you’re dependable, curious, and willing to grow.
Also, build real connections. Talk to people in the fields you're interested in — professors, alumni, friends of friends. Most opportunities come through conversations, not job boards.
And finally, don’t stress about finding your “forever job” right away. Focus on finding a place where you’ll learn, grow, and gain clarity on what matters to you. That’s what sets you up for a strong future.
Start by gaining experience any way you can — internships, part-time jobs, campus involvement, volunteer work — and then practice explaining what you learned from those experiences. Show that you’re dependable, curious, and willing to grow.
Also, build real connections. Talk to people in the fields you're interested in — professors, alumni, friends of friends. Most opportunities come through conversations, not job boards.
And finally, don’t stress about finding your “forever job” right away. Focus on finding a place where you’ll learn, grow, and gain clarity on what matters to you. That’s what sets you up for a strong future.
Leo Organista-Diaz
Student/Medical Assistant
5
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Leo’s Answer
Hi Terence, transitioning from school to the a professional setting seems daunting, but there are a couple things to have in mind.
When it comes to job opportunities connections are crucial, networking with mentors and people in the industry can provide invaluable insight when it comes to your personal career. While preparing your resume and looking for internships well in advance can be helpful towards your goal, you should prioritize assisting to career fairs or networking events to expand your network. It's important to know that hiring managers and employers generally hire people who they like or come highly recommended by someone they trust. So get your resume together and go out there! look for networking events in your area, meet professionals in your field and impress them with your work, professionalism and most importantly by being genuine and personable!
When it comes to job opportunities connections are crucial, networking with mentors and people in the industry can provide invaluable insight when it comes to your personal career. While preparing your resume and looking for internships well in advance can be helpful towards your goal, you should prioritize assisting to career fairs or networking events to expand your network. It's important to know that hiring managers and employers generally hire people who they like or come highly recommended by someone they trust. So get your resume together and go out there! look for networking events in your area, meet professionals in your field and impress them with your work, professionalism and most importantly by being genuine and personable!
Avinash Billakanti
Senior Software Engineer
5
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Avinash’s Answer
If your college doesn’t offer placement opportunities, focus on strengthening your core skills:
Understand your academic projects thoroughly — be able to explain them in detail.
Prepare for aptitude tests, logical reasoning, programming, and Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA).
Start applying for jobs through platforms like LinkedIn, Naukri, and other job portals and social media channels.
Given the current job market challenges, grab any opportunity you get — your first job is a stepping stone.
If you don’t succeed initially:
Don’t be discouraged.
Identify your weak areas based on interview feedback and keep improving.
From personal experience:
I skipped applying to some companies through the placement cell because they weren’t "big" or didn’t offer a high salary — in hindsight, that was a mistake.
Focus on getting your first job. Prove your skills, keep learning, and always appreciate the company that gave you your first opportunity by trusting you.
Understand your academic projects thoroughly — be able to explain them in detail.
Prepare for aptitude tests, logical reasoning, programming, and Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA).
Start applying for jobs through platforms like LinkedIn, Naukri, and other job portals and social media channels.
Given the current job market challenges, grab any opportunity you get — your first job is a stepping stone.
If you don’t succeed initially:
Don’t be discouraged.
Identify your weak areas based on interview feedback and keep improving.
From personal experience:
I skipped applying to some companies through the placement cell because they weren’t "big" or didn’t offer a high salary — in hindsight, that was a mistake.
Focus on getting your first job. Prove your skills, keep learning, and always appreciate the company that gave you your first opportunity by trusting you.
Rob Griffin
Internal Recruiter
1
Answer
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Rob’s Answer
Great question, Terence!
I faced the same challenge after college. Others here have already mentioned important points, especially about figuring out what you truly want in your career.
Your resume will be key to landing your first job. It might be tricky to fill it up without much work experience, but focus on the job you're applying for. Look at the "requirements" section in the job description, find the skills that match what you've learned in college—like courses, projects, or modules—and highlight those.
Doing this will not only fill out your resume but also make it more appealing to recruiters who might be using keyword searches.
Remember, most people I know who love their jobs didn't start in those roles right after college. It takes time to find what you really enjoy, and it's okay to make some mistakes along the way. Don't worry too much and enjoy this exciting time in your life.
I faced the same challenge after college. Others here have already mentioned important points, especially about figuring out what you truly want in your career.
Your resume will be key to landing your first job. It might be tricky to fill it up without much work experience, but focus on the job you're applying for. Look at the "requirements" section in the job description, find the skills that match what you've learned in college—like courses, projects, or modules—and highlight those.
Doing this will not only fill out your resume but also make it more appealing to recruiters who might be using keyword searches.
Remember, most people I know who love their jobs didn't start in those roles right after college. It takes time to find what you really enjoy, and it's okay to make some mistakes along the way. Don't worry too much and enjoy this exciting time in your life.
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