Time to get a job

CEBU, Philippines - Now the graduate is back to the normal day-to-day. Only that it may be a different day-to-day now. Having finished school presents a new set of realities.

The biggest new reality for the graduate is perhaps facing up to a challenge. He may now have to get himself a job. The daily pocket-money allowance may now have to stop coming from his parents. He has to start fending for himself.

It may not only be his own needs that the new graduate will have to cover. He may be expected to start contributing to the family income. In many homes, the older siblings that have finished school are tasked to underwrite the schooling of the younger ones.

So, it’s time to get a job. But, as much as possible, it shall not be simply a job to make an income. The job shall be along the graduate’s academic training and personal line of interests. That way, the first job will be a step to a lifelong career.

It’s okay to start with some ‘minor’ jobs. A top management position – if he’s that lucky at all – is likely to throw a newbie off-balance. But, for sure, he will do well doing support job in the meantime, to ease himself into the job world.

It can be quite bewildering figuring out what to do with one’s Bachelor's degree. It’s not rare to hear a new graduate complaining about the “tremendous difficulty” they face in the job market. Again, it may not be realistic to want to hit it big the very first time around.

The following job ideas of Maggie Eliot, which she shares at www.mademan.com, may help open up one’s mind to possibilities:

English Teacher. Teaching English can be a very rewarding job for a fresh graduate. If not at the university, the other potential clients are students who have difficulty in their English subjects or foreigners from non-English speaking countries who want to learn the language. Filipinos rank among the better English speakers of nations where English is not native tongue, and the new graduate can take advantage of that edge.

Teaching one-on-one tutorials or full-blown English classes can turn in decent income for the new graduate. There are students in countries like China or South Korea with whom to conduct personalized English tutorials online. The new graduate can charge either per session or per lesson.

Research Assistant. If the undergraduate degree is in Psychology or a “natural science" like Biology, the new graduate is likely qualified to work as a Research Assistant. He may have to work in laboratories and help scientists in various capacities such as data analysis, subject recruitment and statistics. The laboratories on the university campus may have openings.

Graduate Assistant. If it’s within the plans of the fresh graduate to go back to school, then he may consider applying as Graduate Assistant at the school. Many universities offer full tuition scholarships and a living stipend for Graduate Assistants. The job varies from teaching a class to conducting research.

Management Trainee. Many companies offer "Management Trainee" positions for fresh graduates. These companies include high-end retailers and various marketing firms. Often, any retail experience is not necessary.

Portfolio Manager. A graduate who majored in Business or Finance may work as Portfolio Manager. Many financial firms employ recent graduates with the hope that they will become investors. The new graduate will likely have to do "grunt work" at first.

Food Service Crew. The new graduate may not only think serving food and drinks and cleaning tables, although there’s nothing wrong with that. As a degree holder, he may be given a higher position – with bigger responsibility, yes. He may have to ensure quality customer service and a polite demeanor from the rest of the team.

Aside from the pay, the food service crew gets tips from customers for good service.

Day Care Worker. If the graduate majored in Early Childhood Education or Psychology, working in a day care center can be perfect. Many working parents would be delighted to leave their little kids in the hands of a professional.

The new graduate shall not rest too long. Too much rest can make the bravado to wane, which in turn can make his self-confidence wilt. It’s time to get moving – time to get a job. (FREEMAN)