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how long did it take to get a job?

how many years did it take to finish college?

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Subject: Career question for you

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Mayuri’s Answer

The time it takes to secure a job and complete college can vary widely based on individual circumstances and goals. Your experience may differ from others, but I can provide some general guidance:

1. Getting a Job
The time it takes to get a job can depend on various factors such as your field of study, job market conditions, location, and your job search efforts. Some people secure employment shortly after graduating, while others may take several months or even longer. On average, it can take several weeks to several months to find a job after completing your education.

2. Finishing College
The duration of college varies depending on the level of education you pursue. Here are some common educational paths:
- Bachelor's Degree: Typically takes about 3 to 4 years.
- Master's Degree: Generally takes 1 to 2 years.
- Doctoral (Ph.D.) Degree: Usually requires 3 to 7 years or more, depending on the program and research involved.

Your journey through college might also be influenced by part-time study, co-op or internship programs, or other factors that can extend the time required to complete your education.
It's essential to remember that everyone's path is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The most important thing is to focus on your goals, work diligently towards them, and be patient during your job search. The timing of these milestones can vary, but with determination and effort, you can achieve both your educational and career objectives.
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Shweta’s Answer

The duration required can fluctuate considerably based on various factors, including your qualifications, the state of the job market, and the specific position you're pursuing. The timeline may range from a few weeks to several months. Concentrate on expanding your network, forging connections, participating in career fairs, and persistently applying for jobs. Stay determined even if it takes longer than anticipated.
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Rian’s Answer

Hi Marcos!
Finishing college typically takes about 4 years. But there are some programs that are 5-year programs (typically engineering). If you come into college with a lot of AP credits or transfer from community college, you generally can finish your degree in less than 4 years, even 3.
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Misty’s Answer

Hello! The time it takes to get a job is different for everyone. It didn't take me anytime because I was already in my field upon my graduation. I will say there are a few things that you need to consider prior to graduating to increase your chances of getting a job quick.

Misty recommends the following next steps:

Look for internship opportunities early in your college career. These often turn into job opportunities
Use career sites (LinkedIn) to look for opportunities and network
Network, Network, Network - Go to career finding events
Update your resume and advertise your availability and accomplishments
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James Constantine’s Answer

Greetings, Marcos from Delavan, Wisconsin! This is James Constantine, reaching out to you from the Gold Coast in Eastern Australia. I have the information you requested ready for you.

You asked, "How long did it take to get a job?" Well, it took WAY TOO LONG!

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average time to secure a job in the United States is roughly 10 to 12 weeks, or about 2.5 to 3 months. However, this duration can fluctuate based on various factors such as your field of study, geographical location, and the current job market conditions.

A research by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) revealed that the average time to complete a bachelor's degree in the United States is 4.5 years, with the duration extending to around 4.8 years in some cases. This duration can also change based on the field of study and the specific college or university.

It's important to point out that the time taken to find a job and the time taken to complete a degree are not directly related. Many students start their job hunt before finishing their degree. In fact, many start looking for jobs during their junior or senior year of college, as it can provide them with valuable work experience and help them establish their professional networks.

You also asked, "How many years did it take to finish college?"

According to the NCES, the average time to complete a bachelor's degree in the United States is 4.5 years, with the duration extending to around 4.8 years in some cases. This duration can also change based on the field of study and the specific college or university.

For instance, students pursuing a degree in engineering or computer science may take longer to complete their degree, typically around 5-6 years, due to the rigorous coursework and the high demand for these fields. Conversely, students pursuing a degree in the humanities or social sciences may take less time to complete their degree, typically around 3-4 years.

It's also important to note that some students choose to take a gap year or more before completing their degree, which can extend the overall time it takes to finish college. Additionally, some students may choose to attend part-time or online programs, which can also affect the time it takes to complete their degree.

References:

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Job Openings and Labor Turnover - Summary. Retrieved from <https://www.bls.gov/jlt/jolts.htm>
2. National Center for Education Statistics. (2020). Time to Degree for First-Time, Full-Time Students at 4-Year Colleges and Universities, by Field of Study and Gender: 2015-16; and 2016-17. Retrieved from <https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2020034rev>
3. National Center for Education Statistics. (2020). Bachelor's Degree Attainment Rates by Age and Gender. Retrieved from <https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_310.10.asp>

I hope this helps!
Best,
JC
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Janel’s Answer

Hello Marcos! I earned my initial degree in Software Engineering. The duration it takes to secure a job can fluctuate based on the type of job you're targeting, your credentials, and the current job market. But, collaborating with your college advisors and counselors can expedite your job hunt, possibly landing you a job either before or shortly after you graduate. They can assist in finding internships and co-ops, which was beneficial in my case.

Regarding the duration of college education in the U.S., it usually takes about 4 years to acquire a bachelor's degree. However, this can vary for some students based on their course load and other circumstances. It might be worthwhile to think about pursuing a post-graduate degree, which could add another 2-3 years to your studies. I managed to complete my master's degree in 3 years, studying part-time while maintaining a full-time job.
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Darian’s Answer

Hello Marcos! The time it takes to finish college can vary and also depends on how many levels of school you plan to complete and your field of study (medicine, law, accounting, etc). I earned an undergraduate college degree and a masters degree so in total it took me 6.5 years to complete both degrees.

I took me 4.5 years to earn my undergraduate degree in accounting. After earning my undergraduate degree, I was able to secure a job 2 months after I graduated college. The key was interviewing with the company before graduation, so the job was secured, and start date was determined before my graduation date.

I worked for several years before deciding to pursue my masters degree and it took my 2 years to complete the degree. I was already working while I was in school so there was no issue with finding a job. However, I was able to command a higher salary in future jobs after completing the degree.
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Cristian’s Answer

This could vary, do not worry about timing. Enjoy the process, not the goal :)
It took me 6-7 years for a master's degree in engineering. I was firstly hired while I was still a student, my career has a lot of opportunities nowadays, so your field of study is also a variable to take into consideration.
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Akira’s Answer

The time it takes to finish college can be different for everyone. The good news is that the time it takes to get a job is completely separate/independent of the time it takes to get a degree. Learning about the company or line of work that you want to be in as you're applying for a particular job.
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Asim’s Answer

Build networking/connections. That would the the fastest way to reduce the timeframe in getting the first job. You can network on linked, attend job fairs, networking sessions in your area. College would usually take 4 years for bachelors.
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Martha’s Answer

Hi, Marcos - these are two good questions and Asim and Akira have given you good responses. To reiterate / add:

- As Asim said, undergraduate (bachelor's degree) normally takes 4 years. Depending upon the college or university, it could be less if you:
- come in with Advanced Placement credits or credits from a community college
- take courses during the summers - not necessarily from that institution
- take more than the normal load to finish faster
- It might take longer if you:
- are in a co-op program, meaning semester-length internships are incorporated
- join a program that combines undergrad and grad degrees (usually 5 years)
- you add another major or minor after your second year and need to take more courses

As for how long it takes to get a job, there are so many factors, such as:
- how active you are in your job search (e.g., job applications, follow-up, networking, good preparation for interviews, etc.)
- level of jobs (faster to get entry-level job)
- how well your qualifications match the jobs you apply to
- how many other applicants
- if you have contacts who can vouch for you (Asim's point)
- how well you interview and demonstrate knowledge about the company (Akira's points)
- how anxious they are to hire

Getting a job can be discouraging, especially in a slow economy. But if you keep working at it, you will eventually succeed.

Good luck!
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