why is it so hard to break into the career world after college?

Question

im an industrial designer, ive applied to over 25 places, everybody loves my work but hates my expierience.

Answer 1

I'm not in the same field, but the opportunities are generally abundant if you apply for the entry-level positions. They're looking for people that they can mold into the thing they want, so they want people fresh out of college. They look at GPA, school, and enthusiasm. Work experience from summer internships helps because they know you're serious. If you're apply for jobs that require 5 years of experience, try applying to more basic jobs. I'm sure you'll find something.

Answer 2

I don't really know what you expect, but I will give you my take from the times I sat in the hiring seat and a word or two of advice.

All too frequently a graduate applicant expects to start at a management level and pull down a half million a year. Frankly they are not worth it. All your college degree tells me is you CAN learn. So consider entry level jobs. My Dad made a real impression on me when he said, "millions of people are looking for positions, thousand are looking for jobs but no one is looking for work, because those who were looking for work have already found it". If you accept that you need the job more than the company needs you, you will probably interview better.

I remember interviewing for a middle management position. I decided to go the humble route and hope for the best. The interviewer asked a question that required about a six part answer. I told the man I didn't know the buzz words (a lie, I knew all of them) he was looking for but I did know what he was talking about. I then proceeded to define each step in the process without using any of the buzz words. I apologized for not knowing the exact terminology and promised to memorize the exact words if it was important. He stopped the interviewing process and offered me the job. I doubt it would work every time but it helped me on that occasion.

Last point, when interviewing don't be afraid to show some excitement about the job. I was once interviewed for a job in R&D with an electronics outfit. My background was very diverse but I think my excitement over being able to play with all the new high tech toys was what sealed that job.

Really the last point. Have some tenacity, and don't get depressed. Everybody has had to run that gauntlet and, like the rest of us, you too will survive.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Jobs at any level are still subject to the basic law of economics which is supply and demand. If there is a high demand for industrial designers you stand a much better chance of getting a job after college or technical training. If there's a low to moderate demand and a high supply of industrial designers, you've got competition. If you've received great work reviews from potential employers it shows you've got the education and talent to do a great job. Eventually the right person will notice and you'll find work. Good luck!

Answer 4

You should work while in college, like an internship or volunteer, something to build your resume. Otherwise, you start at the bottom when you get out. That's how it is. Maybe you are applying for jobs you are underqualified for, and should set your sights more appropriately. People work hard for top postions, most aren't handed those positions, even with an education. I graduated from culinary school in 1997, and had worked for 10 years in kitchens by that point. I was a sous chef for 6 years, and just got my first executive chef position. I started my career almost 20 years ago, and I'm finally reaching my goals. Good luck to you

Answer 5

Because you don't have experience. They look at you as book smart but you have not prove if you are good for it, which experience does. You should have worked in internship while you were in school so you don't have this problem. While I was doing my undergrad and graduate degree I was working a full time job as well. So when I finished my undergrad in addition to my diploma I had thee years of experience behind me (I finished my undergrad in three years instead of four). I had no problem finding a job at all. But if you spend your time partying and being dependable on your parents money and you did not find a job within your study field now it will be hard to start anywhere. Your best bet is find a job seeker company and enlist with them. They have vast resources for jobs. The service is free for you (they collect fee from the company that hires you). You would probably have to compromise salary for getting the job but at this point you can't be picky. Get experience and them you would have any grounds to negotiate higher pay.

Answer 6

it's tough....been there, i sympathize.

have you been hitting career fairs at college campus??
even if you already graduated, you can still take advantage of this oppptunity.
my roommate landed a great job with Rubbermaid from our school's career fair. however, it was a very large university (go Penn State!) so, we had huge fairs.
many of the employers at these fairs understand you have little experience and aren't worried. they will most likely be offering positions for entry-level experience.

have you considered an internship??? offer to intern or apprentice somewhere. sometimes internships are paid and sometimes not. depends on how desperate you are. you can get a bartending job at nights to support yourself while you gain experience.

keep submitting those resumes and don't give up!!!
don't be afraid to accept a job that isn't your "dream". at first you may need to do some "grunt" work to get experience under your belt, but i'm sure you know this.

take care and i wish you luck!

Answer 7

Certain lines of work ... industrial design is among them ... maintain a high barrier to entry primarily to weed out wannabes. It takes more than just sheer talent to succeed in your chosen field. You need to package and position yourself by upgrading your resume, cover letter(s) and portfolio. If your initial 25 attempts were all cold calls, then it's not a surprise they haven't called you back. You need to keep at it. If you give up, then maybe you didn't really want to be an industrial designer in the first place. (That's the outcome of a high barrier to entry, friend. If you hang tough ... you really wanted it in the first place!) On a personal note, it took me five years to land that coveted first job in my line of work. Now I'm exceptionally successful in it (14 years later). You need to keep trying.

Answer 8

I don't know. I'm having the same problem. I graduated in the top of my law school class, worked numerous internships while in law school (including working at my state's Supreme Court as a law clerk- a very prestigious internship), and I have sent out well over 50 resumes. Everyone thinks that I am highly qualified, but then doesn't want to hire me.

I am blaming my problem on my credentials being too good- lawyers have HUGE egos and they don't want to hire someone who is smarter than them. You can use my excuse too if you want:)

Answer 9

See college is not good for everyone. I only have a high school diploma but lots of job experience and I get great jobs/careers in my area anyway.

Answer 10

i had the same problem, you need to just take a job that relates to your career field that is entry level, it might not be what you want but it will pad the resume and prove that you can actually hold a job.