Littleowl, I'm in the same position as you. I had three internships related to my field and a pretty good GPA (Admittedly, I wouldn't say that it's great, although it was good enough that I was accepted into an honors society in my field). I started looking seriously in December 2009 and started applying January '10. I've sent out roughly 40-45 applications (which doesn't seem like that much considering it's been over 5 months, but hey, finishing undergrad got in the way lol) and have had 5 interviews. I got one offer for an "internship" (and I put quotes around that for a reason), but I turned it down because I had to let them know in early March about my decision. Honestly, it would not have been as impressive on my resume compared to my other experience, and I assumed I would find something better suited for me. Now I wish I would have taken it just so that I could be making money over the summer.
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Originally Posted by DrPhil
Also, not to sound snooty (  ), but beginning a serious job search in February 2010 when you know you're graduating in May 2010 wasn't smart. I advise people to put their ear to the ground to listen for any career leads as soon as possible and to seriously begin the job search at least a year before graduating. Afterall, graduation is one of the many things that doesn't just spring on you. You know it's coming and can plan accordingly.
For instance, some of us are surrounded by professionals in our daily personal/private, social and business interactions. People would be fools if they didn't carry a business card or find other ways to network at a sorority function, a community service event, or an event like a gala. There are companies that send emails to employees about jobs to send their friends and families. In other words, there ARE jobs out there and someone WILL BE getting those jobs. The jobs may not be in your field or career interest, but this means that things are not as hopeless for EVERYONE. The unemployment rates are the way they are for a number of reasons and not just because the job market is sparse and competitive. |
I agree that networking and beginning the search as soon as possible is a great idea. However, as far as applying this might be one of those things that varies depending on the field. Obviously I don't have a job, so I wouldn't know for sure, but I only say this because of something I experienced during my job hunt:
There were two firms that I applied to in February 2010. I attended a career fair in very late March, and at the fair, these two companies were present. As I talked to them, I found out that I actually submitted my application too early--they were not yet looking at applications for May 2010 grads in February. So in that case, applying those jobs early was I mistake. Luckily, they accepted my resume in person at the career fair.
Of course different companies in different industries all do it their own way, but this is just something that happened to me. Also, at the career fair, most of the companies there were only offering internships (many of which I didn't qualify for since they only offered school credit). I must have heard "we never really know when we'll be having another full time opening, so please check back often" about 30 times.
Anyways, littleowl, I feel your pain. I am fortunate that my parents are not kicking me out of the house, and that I can live here while I find a job and save up money. But it certainly is discouraging. The thing that keeps me optimistic is that I seem to keep finding opportunities and places to apply in places where I wasn't expecting...even if they haven't led to anything, it gives me hope that I am going to find SOMETHING.
