If you were me..

[Discuss Thrower]

and have the listed options in the poll, what do you do? I already have a bachelor of arts and have been applying to jobs but haven't interviewed for anything since April.. the no interviews thing is a product of applying for jobs that only require a HS diploma and therefore am "overqualified" for. My longest stint of employment is as a freelance sports reporter and have two or three short internships.

I've reached this point because I feel that every month I'm not employed in a legitimate field, the greater the chances I'll never be able to find a job.

Barring a total economic collapse, funding is not an issue.

Even though I'd be discouraged, I won't be surprised if I get lots of CP flaming for this poll. It's only natural but I'd still like to hear opinions from people more experienced than I.

[DeezNutz]

Originally Posted by Discuss Thrower

I know they're not because I didn't have one until a few months ago.

It was to the point where my work experience didn't seem worth listing as most of it has been short internships or less than part time work -one instance of which was being a hired hand for a relative's wedding business.

My grades were decent, I was in two honor societies and was in a leadership role in my fraternity for 2+ years in a couple of different capacities. Working freelance means I'm used to working on deadline (and, if I were being honest, turning a complete non story into something worth reading 300 words about). I was hoping working at the bar would be a way to show I'm not a total non-factor in a work place but since I'm leaving that at the end the month it won't look good to see that I only was there for four months.

Contact your advisor or career specialist wherever you graduated. Get some help with your resume and cover letter. Then, show these docs to professionals whom you know, particularly those who make hiring decisions.

It's not your degree that's the problem; it's how you're marketing yourself.

[TribalElder]

Please watch this inspirational video. It has an uplifting story about getting your swagger back.



best of luck to you

[Third Eye]

Originally Posted by mr. tegu

That makes sense. So law school ended up not being what you wanted?

If you are good with logic and numbers you should be an actuary. Ridiculous pay that requires no degree. Just take the exam, pass it, and the offers will roll in.

It's not exactly that easy. First of all, there are multiple exams, not just 1. I know a number of people who have passed the first and not found employment yet. Hell, I know someone who has passed 3, but didn't find employment, though he has certain mitigating factors working against him. Additionally, while a degree might not be technically required, I've never heard of anyone getting into the field that didn't have one. Plus there are educational requirements called VEE that you do have to take. Myself, I'm taking the 2nd exam this fall and a class that prepares me for the 3rd while concurrently finishing a BS in Math and a certificate in actuarial science program.

[mr. tegu]

Originally Posted by Third Eye

It's not exactly that easy. First of all, there are multiple exams, not just 1. I know a number of people who have passed the first and not found employment yet. Hell, I know someone who has passed 3, but didn't find employment, though he has certain mitigating factors working against him. Additionally, while a degree might not be technically required, I've never heard of anyone getting into the field that didn't have one. Plus there are educational requirements called VEE that you do have to take. Myself, I'm taking the 2nd exam this fall and a class that prepares me for the 3rd while concurrently finishing a BS in Math and a certificate in actuarial science program.

I believe there are nine exams in total. Obviously passing the first guarantees nothing but it is a great start since getting into the field doesn't "require" anything more than one of the first preliminary exams.

The overall point is that it is one of those fields that cares more about your skills than earning a degree. They don't make you jump through unnecessary hoops, and for a field that pays well into six figures once established, that is pretty dang good.

[stevieray]

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

It's not your degree that's the problem; it's how you're marketing yourself.

[Discuss Thrower]

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

Contact your advisor or career specialist wherever you graduated. Get some help with your resume and cover letter. Then, show these docs to professionals whom you know, particularly those who make hiring decisions.

It's not your degree that's the problem; it's how you're marketing yourself.

Any field related advice you can dispense?\

Update: Just got a text from the family friend who went to bat for me on the job in SEMO that said the HR manager she's spoken to her passed along a good note, FWIW.

[Discuss Thrower]

Oops for the bump, but I'm a week away from classes and I'm beginning to think it's not a good idea.. but I'm still in the same spot.

[Kiimo]

I couldn't find a job in my degree (advertising) in KC at all after 9-11 so after about 5 years of chasing BS jobs I picked option five and moved to California. Got a job almost instantly because the job market here is so much better, especially for hard-working midwesterners with no aspirations to act. Haven't' stopped working since.

So...pack your bags. P.S. no bugs or humidity here. Just sayin.

[Discuss Thrower]

Originally Posted by Kiimosabi

I couldn't find a job in my degree (advertising) in KC at all after 9-11 so after about 5 years of chasing BS jobs I picked option five and moved to California. Got a job almost instantly because the job market here is so much better, especially for hard-working midwesterners with no aspirations to act. Haven't' stopped working since.

So...pack your bags. P.S. no bugs or humidity here. Just sayin.

But there are crazy people out there.

[Iowanian]

I hear rumors the Missouri State Fair is looking for a new Rodeo Clown.

[Discuss Thrower]

Originally Posted by Iowanian

I hear rumors the Missouri State Fair is looking for a new Rodeo Clown.

So.. you're saying...

...

I can't do it.

[saphojunkie]

Originally Posted by Discuss Thrower

But there are crazy people out there.

What do you want out of life? Just paying bills and having a house you can get drunk and eat nachos in?

Do you want adventure?

Do you want travel?

Do you want to create something that will affect people or live on in posterity after you're gone?

Do you want to achieve massive financial success? Or help shape public policy? Do you have any ambition whatsoever?

Getting a "job" is about as pointless an existence I can fathom. I despise having jobs. I despise working for someone else, and having the service I offer to "be present" at their place of business.

Start your own business. That's what I'd suggest. Find something you're passionate about and go start your own business. You will never work harder than you do for yourself. Additionally, you're young, you have no mortgage, no kids, no responsibility. You can afford to fail right now more than any other time in your life.

Go for it.

Or ****ing pack up and move to Thailand. Teach english and bang the hottest girls you've ever seen two at a time.

Insurance underwriter? Are you ****ing kidding me?

Youth is wasted on the young.

[Mike in SW-MO]

Interesting congruence in that technical people can't write for crap. Especially writing so non-technical people can understand.

The niece of a co-worker is making big money (don't know exact dollars but she seems happy with it) doing tech writing for Cerner in KC. My sister years back was a big hit at McDonnell-Douglas because she could program and write, too.

If you can read tech and write in English, you might market yourself that way.

[Chief_For_Life58]

Option F: Go back to college and get a real degree like an engineering or finance degree

[Ace Gunner]

*law asst

*back to school, get the MA

*work for gov't (more like show up, do nothing, turn a blind eye and get paid)

*start your own company


really just depends what you want from life