6 answers
imani
Student
Miami Gardens, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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how do you get a job into your field right after college ?
how do you get a job into your field right after college
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6 answers
Donald Jennings III
Technology Consulting
2
Answers
Dublin, California
Updated
Donald’s Answer
This is a fantastic question! Starting your first job after finishing school might feel like a lifelong commitment, but remember, every day and every job is a stepping stone toward your future success. The first day of school is just the start of your exciting career journey, and it's all about gaining valuable experience. Here are some great ways to boost your chances:
1) Start networking early, whether in your city, at school, or online through LinkedIn.
2) Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date.
3) Build your resume with work, internships, clubs, and sports activities.
4) Seek help to craft a standout resume tailored to each job you apply for.
5) Be patient—the job market and economy are always changing. I applied to 27 jobs after college before landing the one I wanted.
6) Practice interviewing: Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but practicing will help you walk in with confidence.
Stay positive and keep pushing forward!
1) Start networking early, whether in your city, at school, or online through LinkedIn.
2) Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date.
3) Build your resume with work, internships, clubs, and sports activities.
4) Seek help to craft a standout resume tailored to each job you apply for.
5) Be patient—the job market and economy are always changing. I applied to 27 jobs after college before landing the one I wanted.
6) Practice interviewing: Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but practicing will help you walk in with confidence.
Stay positive and keep pushing forward!
Leanne Hayes
Field Marketing
10
Answers
Basingstoke, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Leanne’s Answer
Hi Imani, great question. Getting a job straight after college can be challenging, but there are a few key approaches that work across most industries:
1. Be open-minded: your first job doesn’t have to be perfect or exactly what you envisioned. Focus on gaining experience, developing skills, and building a professional network. Often, one opportunity leads to another.
2. Network wherever you can: whether it’s through LinkedIn, industry events, university groups, or even friends and family, connections can open doors that applications alone might not. Don’t hesitate to reach out to people for advice or insights into their career paths.
3. Tailor your applications: make sure your CV and cover letter are specific to each role. Highlight transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork — these are valuable in any field.
4. Stay proactive and keep learning: if you’re struggling to find the right role immediately, consider internships, volunteer work, or short courses to strengthen your CV and show initiative.
5. Be patient and persistent: rejections are normal and part of the process. Keep applying, treat every interview as a learning experience, and stay flexible. Careers often take unexpected but rewarding turns.
Good luck, wishing you all the best :-)
1. Be open-minded: your first job doesn’t have to be perfect or exactly what you envisioned. Focus on gaining experience, developing skills, and building a professional network. Often, one opportunity leads to another.
2. Network wherever you can: whether it’s through LinkedIn, industry events, university groups, or even friends and family, connections can open doors that applications alone might not. Don’t hesitate to reach out to people for advice or insights into their career paths.
3. Tailor your applications: make sure your CV and cover letter are specific to each role. Highlight transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork — these are valuable in any field.
4. Stay proactive and keep learning: if you’re struggling to find the right role immediately, consider internships, volunteer work, or short courses to strengthen your CV and show initiative.
5. Be patient and persistent: rejections are normal and part of the process. Keep applying, treat every interview as a learning experience, and stay flexible. Careers often take unexpected but rewarding turns.
Good luck, wishing you all the best :-)
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1058
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Imani, you should know that many people do end up working in fields that are different from what they studied in college. But if your goal is to break into your chosen field right after graduation, it’s definitely possible with the right approach. I will walk through some things that I did when I first graduated college. First, you need to make yourself as marketable as possible before you graduate. This means seeking out internships, part-time jobs, volunteer opportunities, or school projects that are directly connected to your field. For example, I studied Accounting as an undergraduate. I started working for an accounting firm as an intern doing internal accounting, which gave me tangible experience that hiring managers value.
Next, build a focused and tailored resume that connects the dots between your degree and the job you want. Please do not fall in the trap of just listing coursework. Instead, highlight specific skills, tools, and results. For example, “Developed a social media strategy for a campus club that increased engagement by 50%” shows impact. You should also be intentional about your job search. Apply to roles that align with your degree and interests, and take the time to customize your application materials for each one. Generic applications rarely get noticed.
In addition, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Talk to your professors, attend industry events, and connect with alumni or professionals on LinkedIn. Let them know that you are not asking them for a job, you are asking for advice and insight. Often, those conversations lead to referrals or opportunities you wouldn’t have found on a job board.
Lastly, be ready to communicate clearly in interviews why you are passionate about the field and how your academic and practical experience make you a strong fit. I have found that employers want to see that you understand their industry and are eager to contribute, even if you’re just starting out. Please also understand most interviews are also just a chance to see if you are a fit within their organization not just do you have the skills. By combining relevant experience, a targeted job search, professional networking, and clear communication, you can significantly improve your chances of landing a job in your field right after college.
Next, build a focused and tailored resume that connects the dots between your degree and the job you want. Please do not fall in the trap of just listing coursework. Instead, highlight specific skills, tools, and results. For example, “Developed a social media strategy for a campus club that increased engagement by 50%” shows impact. You should also be intentional about your job search. Apply to roles that align with your degree and interests, and take the time to customize your application materials for each one. Generic applications rarely get noticed.
In addition, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Talk to your professors, attend industry events, and connect with alumni or professionals on LinkedIn. Let them know that you are not asking them for a job, you are asking for advice and insight. Often, those conversations lead to referrals or opportunities you wouldn’t have found on a job board.
Lastly, be ready to communicate clearly in interviews why you are passionate about the field and how your academic and practical experience make you a strong fit. I have found that employers want to see that you understand their industry and are eager to contribute, even if you’re just starting out. Please also understand most interviews are also just a chance to see if you are a fit within their organization not just do you have the skills. By combining relevant experience, a targeted job search, professional networking, and clear communication, you can significantly improve your chances of landing a job in your field right after college.
Megan Vitagliano
Consultant
6
Answers
Annapolis, Maryland
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Starting your career is one of the most exciting phases - I am so glad to feel your excitement and remember how I started.
First off, enjoy it! You will learn and experience so much the first few years of your career, and will look back and be shocked at how far you have come.
To start, take advice from those around you, but also think about how the advice aligns with you and what you want to do! People will always be willing to help you and give you their opinion, but you need to also make sure it makes sense for you!
Be open to learning - none of us know everything, so be sure to take in what others know around you!
First off, enjoy it! You will learn and experience so much the first few years of your career, and will look back and be shocked at how far you have come.
To start, take advice from those around you, but also think about how the advice aligns with you and what you want to do! People will always be willing to help you and give you their opinion, but you need to also make sure it makes sense for you!
Be open to learning - none of us know everything, so be sure to take in what others know around you!
Alexa Weidanz
Talent Mobility
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Alexa’s Answer
Hi Imani,
What an exciting time! Wishing you luck in your career journey. Here are some things to think about as you embark on finding a job in your industry:
1. Meet with a trusted advisor or mentor. Speak to them about your professional goals and ask for insights. If you know of someone in the field you are interested in, they can be a great resource to tap into for learning more about the steps to take to break into that industry, and they can help connect you with others in the field.
2. While you're still in college, apply for internships that are relevant to your preferred industry. Gaining industry experience as an intern is a way to build skills and knowledge in your field, and it also allows for networking. Don't underestimate the power of networking when it comes to finding your next career opportunity.
3. And if you are unable to break into the industry immediately after college, don't panic. You have so much time, and each job you have in your professional career is a learning experience. Learn about what you like and what you don't like in a job. You'll learn transferrable skills and determine the type of work culture you most align with. Use that information to find your next role!
What an exciting time! Wishing you luck in your career journey. Here are some things to think about as you embark on finding a job in your industry:
1. Meet with a trusted advisor or mentor. Speak to them about your professional goals and ask for insights. If you know of someone in the field you are interested in, they can be a great resource to tap into for learning more about the steps to take to break into that industry, and they can help connect you with others in the field.
2. While you're still in college, apply for internships that are relevant to your preferred industry. Gaining industry experience as an intern is a way to build skills and knowledge in your field, and it also allows for networking. Don't underestimate the power of networking when it comes to finding your next career opportunity.
3. And if you are unable to break into the industry immediately after college, don't panic. You have so much time, and each job you have in your professional career is a learning experience. Learn about what you like and what you don't like in a job. You'll learn transferrable skills and determine the type of work culture you most align with. Use that information to find your next role!
Paul Rogers
Solutions Engineer | Technical Consultant | Leadership Mentor
18
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Imani,
Great question — and it's awesome that you're thinking ahead about your career path!
Getting a job in your field right after college comes down to three key things:
Network Early: Start connecting with people in your target industry before you graduate. LinkedIn, career fairs, and informational interviews are powerful tools.
Get Experience (Even Small): Internships, part-time work, volunteer projects — anything related to your field helps you stand out. Real-world examples matter.
Show Your Drive: Employers love to see people who take initiative. Keep learning relevant skills (even through free online courses) and highlight your passion for the work when applying or interviewing.
You're already ahead by asking smart questions now — stay proactive, and opportunities will open up for you!
Update your LinkedIn profile and start connecting with 5 people in your desired field.
Find one free online course to build an extra skill in your industry.
Reach out for an informational interview (15-minute chat) with a professional in your target role.
Join a career-specific LinkedIn group to watch job postings and discussions.
Great question — and it's awesome that you're thinking ahead about your career path!
Getting a job in your field right after college comes down to three key things:
Network Early: Start connecting with people in your target industry before you graduate. LinkedIn, career fairs, and informational interviews are powerful tools.
Get Experience (Even Small): Internships, part-time work, volunteer projects — anything related to your field helps you stand out. Real-world examples matter.
Show Your Drive: Employers love to see people who take initiative. Keep learning relevant skills (even through free online courses) and highlight your passion for the work when applying or interviewing.
You're already ahead by asking smart questions now — stay proactive, and opportunities will open up for you!
Paul recommends the following next steps: