This is an embarrassing confession, but I am, what some might consider, a “guppy.” What I mean is that after four-plus years of classes, projects, tests and term papers, I find myself proudly toting a degree but lacking the combination of dazzling experience and applicable skills that would compel potential employers to hire me.

You may be a “guppy” as well if you find yourself asking the question, where is the job board for recent graduates with buckets of relevant knowledge and only mediocre résumé experience? Perhaps you have received a smattering of rejection emails, claiming your qualifications are impressive, but not quite in tune with the hiring manger’s search parameters. The truth is, my guppy friend, your opportunity to get even a pinky toe in the door of your choice career field is drying up as I type this article.

Recent graduates must face the possibility that entry-level jobs providing the elusive on-the-job training for future, more lucrative positions may grow even more scarce in the coming years of this shaky economy.  Companies are seeking to further trim the fat of their budgets and heap the grunt work on to more seasoned personnel. But fret not, small gills — there are steps that we guppies can take to improve our overall marketability. First of all, and this rings true whether you fall among the guppy ranks or not, it is imperative to remember that you have options. Options are the best friends you can have right now: weigh them wisely. For your consideration, here are just some of the many options at your fingertips:

1. Intern. Okay, school is over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get that edge you crave oh-so-much by taking on an internship. Use your degree as a negotiation point — after all, you know what you’re doing!

2. Volunteer. This is a great time for you to scour your city, do some networking and find opportunities to donate your services in exchange for that valuable hands-on experience. Someone you know may know someone who knows someone who needs help in something that you are good at.  Approach them and offer your talent and time. Don’t think of it as an unpaid internship minus the college credit; consider it a valuable addition to your resume.

3. Switch it up. Still waiting tables since earning your marketing degree because you’re scared you won’t find anything better? Don’t hurt your chances of breaking into a field just because you’re already getting paid.  Get on the job boards, put out your resume, and try to find a position relevant to what you’d really love to do. Things aren’t that bad.

4. Become a big fish. There are tons of organizations (ahem, Peace Corps) that need dedicated guppies, like you, to go out into the world and make a difference. Not a bad way to just keep swimmin’.

5. Do your own thing. Get a group of people together or go solo and start a project, a Web site, a publication, even a company! Take an idea that matters to you and run with it. Make something happen for yourself — be the one to invest in you.

6. Jump overboard. Now might be a good time to consider working abroad, while you’re still young and have fewer responsibilities on your plate. Take a year or two, explore and live out of your element, and see what you’re made of. You’re guaranteed to surprise yourself.

7. Go back to school. If you feel that your background is inadequate, then earning a second Bachelor’s degree might be a good choice. Focus on enhancing your current skill set, networking to improve your chances of finding future opportunities in your field, and enjoy being able to put off those loan payments just a little longer.

These are just a few of the many options available to help guppies like us get out of the puddle and swimming in the big pond.

Katie Kowalski - April 7, 2009 - 7:23 am
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