This is the time of year that college students are out there looking for jobs. It’s the end of their four-year run. Hopefully some of them have dug their well before their thirsty.
What many of you out there don’t realize is that your college kids are really looking for their second job because looking for their job is their job.
If you’re reading this and you have a kid in college you need to express to them that finding a job when you’re in school is the most important thing you can do, even as early as your sophomore year.
Only 27% of college students find a job related to their college major. When it comes to sports management majors, the competition only gets even tougher.
So my advice: make sure your kid knows that using their friends, parents and any one else they know is key and its part of the “getting work” game.
Most kids want to do it on their own. Well, using parents, family and friends to help get in the door is still doing it on your own. You still have to go out there and the job, but there’s no reason not to use the advantages you have. That's how life works.
It’s a delusional thought that somewhere down the line you won’t be asking for help. We all do at some point.
It really makes me laugh when a kid says he doesn't want to ask his parents for help to find the job or internship. Where is that independence when it comes time to pay their tuition? They don't mind getting help when the bills come.
Figure out your end game while you’re young so that you have something to work towards. If you haven’t taken the time to know exactly what type of work you want, it means you’re just willing to take anything. And, what will that ultimately mean for your career and your life?
There are two keys here
- As a parent, make sure if your child is starting early on building their network.
- As the soon-to-be graduate, make sure you are organized and aware of all the potential contacts you have through your parents, relatives, neighbors, classmates, your own friends or elsewhere.
Remember, it’s not who you know, or what you know, but what you know about who!
It’s okay to not know exactly what you want, but that doesn’t give you an excuse to do nothing if you haven’t found the perfect fit. Work at a place that can give you general business training. Everybody has to learn sales, accounting, cold calling, etc.
