If you are a younger American, between the ages of 17 and 24, you may want to look closer at that number because it hides your truth. Your number is FAR WORSE thnn the national average
According to Tamara Drauts report, "The Abandoned Generation: Creating Jobs and Opportunities for Young Adults, " between the ages of 17 and 24the unemployment rate is at 17 percent in the U.S. The rate for Latinos in the same age range is 20 percent, and in the African American community it is nearly 30 percent. The Millenials must understand this: while the country in recession, they are looking at a depression. Many experts fear the Millennials will be the first generation that will not be better off than their parents.
Even though the Millennials are the generation for which many are scared for, the world is set up to help them not only beat the odds, but also thrive. The fundamental ways to get a job will never change, but the format in how it is done is another matter.
INTERN, RESEARCH & CONNECT.
Intern (Get experience)
All the knowledge you learn in the classroom over a your college years means NOTHING, if you do not apply that knowledge in real situations. Almost, every field of study offered on a college campus gives you an opportunity to work and learn in a professional setting. It's not enough to just go to school four or five years. Employers want to see if students used their time to work on their craft.
Remember your employers were once college students as well. They know there is time each year you can spend outside the classroom gaining professional experience. It's not just helpful for students, but the employer as well. The more you know less the company has to teach you. There will be more than enough on-the-job training/learning in your first job. So try to shorten the learning curve as much as possible.
Professors will tell students, "Do at least one internship." But in a global job market and a generation looking at 17.3 percent unemployment, One out-of-classroom field experiences is not going to cut it. Technology and the work environment changes too fast for just one internship. Many professionals encourage college students to do two or three internships for the four to five years you are in school.
Research (Know yourself and target companies)
To get the best out of your internship or see what entry-level positions are out there, you must do research. It is very important to have a realistic outlook on what is out there and what you qualify for.
Make sure to visit a company's website and look at its mission statement and values, if presented. Mission statements give you an idea of what values a company does and is built on and do those ideas match your beliefs.
Look at any reviews and reactions from current and former workers. Websites like Glassdoor provide in-depth breakdown of companies. Find approval rating of company CEO, salaries, and pro and cons of the organization from current employees and former interns. Websites like this helps your job hunt have some direction and insight to what companies best fit you.
Connect (Are you LinkedIn?)
LinkedIn for those of you that don't know, is a social media website for professionals to build their networks share knowledge and find new career opportunities. With over 120 million users, it allow professionals to take charge of their career in new ways.
What I find odd is, with a website that provides so many resources in a stuggling economy, why does it seem more college students are not a part of the LinkedIn Community?
According to Leela Srinivasan's article, "LinkedIn launches Career Explorer for college student," over 200,000 college students join LinkedIn per month. Many professionals argue that many college student are not as active with their LinkedIn account as they are with Facebook and Twitter. Here are some ways to get the most out of your LinkedIn page.
The one thing that separates LinkedIn from other social networking sites. It gives you the active email of the employees at the company, organization or field you have an interest in. It's a great way to great inside information and up-to-the moment reviews of the company you would like to work or intern.
Below is the email I sent out to several employees about the Internship and Trainee program at Edelman, the public relations giant.
"Hello [ place name here]
I am interested in applying for the Edelman Intern and Trainee Program.
I am currently a student at Illinois State University, majoring in the Public Relations.
Before I apply, I want to ask current employees at Edelman about their work experience at Edelman? What is the work atmosphere like, and what are some of the things I can expect as a trainee?
If you can provide any information or feedback, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time.
[Your name here]"
Notice in my letter I kept it short, simple and clear. Always be mindful these are working professionals, so their time is very valuable. You are collecting information for yourself, but it's on their time, so make it as easy and as quick for them to answer as possible.
You do not want to leave room for miss interpretation. Make sure your message is clear about why you are contacting them and what questions you would like answered.
Finally, always thank them for taking time to read your letter, even if they do not reply back.
Getting involved in discussion forums is another way to increase your reach and connect with professionals. Feel free, to voice our opinion because you never know who may value it.
Most of us have been in school and heard nothing but how bad the economy and job market is. The horror stories of former classmates returning home to work at McDonald's. There are resources in place to insure that four or five years of your life was not wasted, if you so choose to use them. Be proactive in securing your future.
