You just put in all that work to get your degree and now you want the PERFECT job. Do you know what that perfect job would be? Here are some ways to figure that out.

1. Take a career assessment. There are free ones out there! Just check out my resources page for some options.

2. Dig deep into what you've found. Look at the job description and see if you can perform the tasks they ask. Maybe you need more education for that position, so time to look

3. Networking is key. Yes, it may be intimidating, but I am happy to practice with you. We can practice your elevator pitch and go from there. What you will find is the more people you talk to in your industry, the more insight you will gain in the work environment and field.

4. Find a mentor. Mentoring is beneficial in so many ways. Whether the person is in your field or not, they can help you hone in on your skills and support your growth.

You graduated with a degree in psychology, or criminal justice, maybe it was history...congratulations! Now what? Well, speaking from experience, the job market is rough. It is tough to navigate, overwhelming to puruse, and down right dirty when it comes to applying.

If I can offer any advice during this period, it's to not limit yourself to jobs from your discipline, especially if it's an undergraduate degree. Answer these questions below and then narrow down your job search, you may be surprised as to what you find.

1. Where do you want to live? Is it a city? A suburb?

2. What topics interest you? We're talking professional topics but it's a bonus if they're hobbies as well!

3. What skills do you have that you want to showcase? Maybe there are skills you are familiar with and want to use them more!

4. Where do you do your best work? Is it at home? In an office setting? Large company? Small non-profit?

5. Does pay matter? Remeber, be practical about this.

Well, here I am about to tell you some bad news...not only does your degree not guarantee you a GOOD job, your degree does not guarantee you a job, PERIOD. I hope this doesn't come as a surpise, but if it does, I'll explain.

1. Degrees are a requirement for most jobs, meaning, most individuals have one. To be exact, over one in three adults has a bachelors degree.

2. Your bachelor's degree does not make you an expert. Yes, you'll have studied the basics of a topic for the last 3-4 years, but you have only touched the surface. You are a novice.

3. It does not account for experience. It's wonderful that you have a degree and have now met a job requirement, but it does not show your capability in the field. This is where those handy internships come in.

4. Most importantly, your degree does not give you entry into adulthood. Using common sense, soft skills, and people skills play a major role for you here. Connect with your interviewer, network with those in the field, and do not ask your parents to do the work for you...you do it!

Let me guess, you have reasearched graduate programs time and time again to figure out which one is the right fit...there are SO many to choose from. Well, there is no harm in applying. Remember, this is coming from an individual who applied to Undergraduate Programs, but it is easier to choose from one you've been accepted to.

Here is some advice when applying to graduate programs.

1. Rock Your Personal Statement

   1. You know you best. You know what you've done, what you've been doing, and what you want to do. The best statements are those that connect these three points. Think of it as a way to introduce others to you and your life journey.

2. Pick Your Refereces Wisely

   1. It is more valuable to choose an individual you truly knows you than to pick someone with little knowledge of you and your goals. Schools want to hear about your uniqueness, your skills, and the value you will bring. Someone who can speak to those topics holds more credibility than someone with a higher-profile and important title.

3. Demonstrate How Engaged You Are With The Subject

   1. Personal experience. Professional experience. YOUR EXPERIENCE. Talk about your internships, your knowledge of the topic, and your passion for the field through any interviews, conversations, personal essays, courses taken, and your resume.

4. Don't Worry So Much About Those Test Scores

   1. Test scores are NOT the end all be all. Schools look at the applicant as a whole. It is wonderful if you perform well academically, but it is not what you are solely judged on so don't put so much weight on it.

5. Personal Connections Go A Long Way

   1. Reach out to someone in the program. This could be a current or former student or even a faculty member. Not only will this help you in choosing a program, but it will demonstrate your passion for the program to program members and the admissions team involved in reviewing applicants.

Signs Online Coaching May Be Right For You:

• Lost: I lack clarity in my life and career

• Stuck: I am frustrated by personal and professional circumstances

• Self-Sabotage: I am procrastinating, quitting, or not putting in my full effort to reach my potentional

• Low Motivation: I feel disorganized, distracted and disengaged

• Stressed: I am burnt out or under pressure and feeling anxious from a recent (or upcoming) transition

Common Outcomes of Online Coaching:

• A Life Plan: Let's discuss your vision for your life/career and create a plan to get there

• A Job Search Strategy: Want to attract employers? Let's strategically work on your resume, cover letter, and interview skills

• Goal Setting: I'll teach you how to set goals that you can actually follow through and achieve

• Life Skills: Adulting is tough. Let's work on your skills that can help you cope through difficult situtations and handle your emotions

• Candid Feedback: I will always be transparent, honest, and will give you objective feedback. I can't promise you will always love it, but I am here for you.

Benefits of Online Coaching:

• Self-Confidence: Lessen your self doubt

• Courage: Pursue life's challenges, bravely

• Discipline: Increase control over negative and destructive tendencies

• Purpose: Connect with your passion, your interests, yourself

• Happiness: Feel better and stabilize your mood