Post Collegiate Graduation Advice

[OneEyedFish]

Ants,

I'm a total wreck and need advice from those of you who've been down this road.

In December I will be graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a BA in Communication Arts - Rhetorical Studies. I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do with my life when I came here 4 1/2 years ago. I started taking Comm classes during the later half of my Sophomore year and really loved them so I ran with it. Unfortunately, rhetorical studies has no application in the real world...At all.

Now, I still have no idea what to do with my life! I need to start looking for jobs and seriously don't know what I want to do. I'm more concerned with what type of work environment I'm in. I don't want to be stuck behind a desk for the rest of my life. I want to work in a fast paced environment where I am consistently engaging with other people. Other than that...I'm lost.

To compound the problem, I don't have the most stellar transcript. Within my major I have about a 3.4 which I am pretty happy with, but overall I will only graduate with like a 2.75. I ran into some problems my freshman year, when I was clueless what to do, and have struggled to recover from them since. Thankfully, I have a pretty good resume with some good work experience, extra curriculars, and volunteer work.

Anyone ever found themselves in this situation? Any advice?

[Nick@Night]

Get a pug, the rest will work itself out.

[SmoothG]

My advice is to do what your parents did and get a job sir! Your revolution has lost! The bums have lost!


Edit: Old man said take any rug in the house.

[Tomriddle]

Originally Posted by OneEyedFish

a BA in Communication Arts - Rhetorical Studies.

A BA in beer pong?

[Bohrman26]

Apply for any job you might want. A lot of places will take anyone with a degree. As for the GPA, on your resume just put Major GPA and list that one instead of overall GPA. This, however, might come up during the interview, especially if you're interviewing for a position that is not in your field. I've been in an interview and they asked what my overall GPA was because I didn't have it listed. They then said if I didn't know it was alright, so I just said, "I don't know." I've had others ask what it was and when I told them they asked why it wasn't higher. I was just honest and told them about like two business classes that were really hard for me and I just did what I could to get by. They said, "Yeah, those classes were really tough for me too."

That's all the advice I can think of as of right now.

Oh, get sum.

Edit: Don't get discouraged if you don't find a job for a little while. The economy (as you know) is suckin some fat balls.

[UNC41]

Well, it appears you are earning a low-demand degree with a very average GPA in a time without much of a job market. The odds of you landing your dream job, especially when you don't even know what that is, right out of school are very low in this situation. Still, do everything you can to find a job that will pay the bills. There is a good chance you won't like your job, but put that aside and work your ass off. Then in a couple years, use all of the contacts you've made and people you've impressed to take your career in the direction you want it to be heading.

[Bohrman26]

It's also not a bad idea, if you can stand it, to stay in school. Go back and get a 2nd degree that will look better and possibly get you a better job or just a job at all.

I think there is a problem with people hearing, "Do what you like!" when trying to decide on a major. Of course if you like Finance, accounting, sciences, want to be a teacher, then this is fine. But, I have friends who enjoy History and majored in it with no intention of teaching and not smart enough to get into law school. In an instance like that you should maybe minor in history and get a degree that will actually benefit you in the long run and that you can handle and don't hate. I mean, obviously it's too late for you (you've even said your degree doesn't lend itself to real world jobs). But, like I said, go back and get something that will benefit you more.

[Tomriddle]

Originally Posted by UNC41

Well, it appears you are earning a low-demand degree with a very average GPA in a time without much of a job market.

Life Error Message.

[ji/\/\ithing]

Originally Posted by UNC41

work your ass off. Then in a couple years, use all of the contacts you've made and people you've impressed to take your career in the direction you want it to be heading.

this

[mr.MikeD]

are you supposed to answer the questions on an exam in a rhetorical studies course?

[Bohrman26]

Originally Posted by mr.MikeD

are you supposed to answer the questions on an exam in a rhetorical studies course?

[jcc522]

U.S. Army

[rconverse]

Wear sunscreen.

[Tomriddle]

Pour beer on your diploma

[rconverse]

Originally Posted by Tomriddle

Pour beer on your diploma

With his major, he'd be lucky to be able to trade his diploma for a beer.

[OneEyedFish]

Originally Posted by Bohrman26

Apply for any job you might want. A lot of places will take anyone with a degree. As for the GPA, on your resume just put Major GPA and list that one instead of overall GPA. This, however, might come up during the interview, especially if you're interviewing for a position that is not in your field. I've been in an interview and they asked what my overall GPA was because I didn't have it listed. They then said if I didn't know it was alright, so I just said, "I don't know." I've had others ask what it was and when I told them they asked why it wasn't higher. I was just honest and told them about like two business classes that were really hard for me and I just did what I could to get by. They said, "Yeah, those classes were really tough for me too."

That's all the advice I can think of as of right now.

Oh, get sum.

Edit: Don't get discouraged if you don't find a job for a little while. The economy (as you know) is suckin some fat balls.

Thanks, this seems like good advice.

Originally Posted by UNC41

Well, it appears you are earning a low-demand degree with a very average GPA in a time without much of a job market. The odds of you landing your dream job, especially when you don't even know what that is, right out of school are very low in this situation. Still, do everything you can to find a job that will pay the bills. There is a good chance you won't like your job, but put that aside and work your ass off. Then in a couple years, use all of the contacts you've made and people you've impressed to take your career in the direction you want it to be heading.

This is very true. Being that I don't have a dream job, I'm not looking to walk out of college and be living the high life. But, I have great work ethic and have held some very good college jobs. Thankfully, I have a wide array of very marketable skills which I hope will help get my foot in the door.

Originally Posted by Bohrman26

It's also not a bad idea, if you can stand it, to stay in school. Go back and get a 2nd degree that will look better and possibly get you a better job or just a job at all.

I think there is a problem with people hearing, "Do what you like!" when trying to decide on a major. Of course if you like Finance, accounting, sciences, want to be a teacher, then this is fine. But, I have friends who enjoy History and majored in it with no intention of teaching and not smart enough to get into law school. In an instance like that you should maybe minor in history and get a degree that will actually benefit you in the long run and that you can handle and don't hate. I mean, obviously it's too late for you (you've even said your degree doesn't lend itself to real world jobs). But, like I said, go back and get something that will benefit you more.

I have definitely considered continuing education, but, at this time I am not ready for that commitment.

As far as the selection of my major, I can, in retrospect, say that I should have taken more time to explore other fields. I think I felt too much pressure to select something, and just went for something I enjoyed.

Thankfully, the rhetorical studies program here is a lot wider in breadth than it initially sounds. We focus on classical rhetoric, but also on contemporary media issues, marketing, speech writing/technical writing, and public relations. Unfortunately, things like marketing and public relations have their own degrees - so it immediately puts me at a disadvantage against those people (or at least I would think so).

[Bohrman26]

Originally Posted by rconverse

With his major, he'd be lucky to be able to trade his diploma for a beer.

[AJF_41]

Originally Posted by rconverse

Wear sunscreen.

someone gave me that when i graduated...

Originally Posted by rconverse

With his major, he'd be lucky to be able to trade his diploma for a beer.

maybe he can get one of those 64 calorie beers..

[Bohrman26]

Originally Posted by AJF_41

maybe he can get one of those 64 calorie beers..

FUCK those beers and guys who order them.

[DMBfan41]

Just burn the diploma. I got my BA in Communications in May 2008. I'm working two part-time jobs, still living at home, can't get a job in my desired field even though i've had some interviews, my internships didn't turn into anything, my connections have all failed me.

Life is good after college! But, the good news is you learn to appreciate the things in life that really matter, and you begin to realize, maybe i don't need to make a lot of money to live a good life, maybe there is more to life.

[Carbon Copy]

Originally Posted by mr.MikeD

are you supposed to answer the questions on an exam in a rhetorical studies course?

[OneEyedFish]

Originally Posted by DMBfan41

Just burn the diploma. I got my BA in Communications in May 2008. I'm working two part-time jobs, still living at home, can't get a job in my desired field even though i've had some interviews, my internships didn't turn into anything, my connections have all failed me.

Life is good after college! But, the good news is you learn to appreciate the things in life that really matter, and you begin to realize, maybe i don't need to make a lot of money to live a good life, maybe there is more to life.

What is your desired field?

Thankfully, I do have a fantastic job right now that pays my bills and will keep me afloat until I find something permanent. Only problem is there is no advancement here and they pay is only good enough to be a college kid, not any sort of respectable adult.

[cpxc.]

go back to school, that's what i'm doing.

[saygdbye4134]

Brett,

I do 15-20 interviews a week as part of my job, and honestly, unless the individual is going into a patient care division (i work for a hospital), the actual GPA of your major is never brought up, let alone a determining factor in employment. Most employers are just seeking that piece of paper, how you got it is of little concern.

My advice to you is to apply to as many jobs as possible. Even if it's not something that you can see yourself retiring from. On average, most people switch jobs 4.63 times in their life. Some way more. I would venture to guess that what you're looking for is a steady paycheck and benefits. Find jobs that have that and apply to it. Build yourself up some solid post graduate work history, which will allow you to land that job you really want a few years down the road.

[OUFireDancer]

first thing, don't put your GPA on your resume, it's unecessary really. besides, if it comes up in an interview, you can explain yourself in person, which will sound better than how it will appear on paper. I've found that no one cared about my GPA as much as a diploma.

second thing, ever consider enlisting in the armed services? if so, look into officer candidate school for the Navy (go in as an officer making good money, then serve a few years and have great benefits with the potential to use the GI bill for a master's and/or other degree like a JD). that was damn near what I wanted to do, plus, you'll have a fast-paced environment where you get to see the world and make lifelong friends.

third, get a master's degree if you can.

[jmudmbphan]

Ive been out for two years....do what I wish I did right after graduation before I had rent, a job, etc.....

go travel. who knows when you will be able to do it again.....your not gonna kick yourself in the ass 10-20 years down the road because you went traveling and did some awesome things...but you might if you dont.

[wampa3]

In my experience, being a mechanical engineer, the employers I interviewed with were very interested in GPA. My guess is that I wouldn't have even gotten a call back from any place if my GPA wasn't 3.4 or higher. I think every field/company is different with their policies during the interview process and have specific things they look for. The most important area that employers looks for is your work experience and how the skills you learned during then could translate into the job you are currently applying for.

I for one stayed an extra year in school (free tuition) and got my MS which put me ahead of a lot of people. If you are even considering getting another degree or would like to do so sometime in your life, I can't stress how much easier it was to do it before I got a job. I couldn't imagine having to go through my graduate degree while working the 9-5. That would have been miserable.

If it were me in your position, I would build up my credentials by getting more education. Academia is the safe place to be in this economy. This is all assuming you would be able to do this at an affordable price though.

[dmbgodagirl41]

The sooner you get the whole "I must have my dream job now!" idea out of your head, the better.

I think right now, the most important thing is to line up a paying gig and then go from there. That's what I did. I got a job (behind a desk, not my dream job), but then I found out that my employer pays for grad school, which is what I'm doing now. Once I get my master's, I'll probably THEN be more prepared to start actively getting into the field I want while I try to get my PhD.

Looking back, I had no clue what I really wanted at 22. I barely know at 27. Just get a job that you know you won't hate (seriously, work is what you make of it. I make every single day a freaking party around here and I love coming into work), and just sort out your options. The whole "I want to be doing this by this time" thing is stupid.

[wampa3]

Originally Posted by jmudmbphan

Ive been out for two years....do what I wish I did right after graduation before I had rent, a job, etc.....

go travel. who knows when you will be able to do it again.....your not gonna kick yourself in the ass 10-20 years down the road because you went traveling and did some awesome things...but you might if you dont.

In other words he would go traveling with money he likely doesn't have/could afford and miss time of work that would put him further in a hole. I'm all about enjoying life when you can, but I think someone would be able to do so 10-20 years down the road with much more security. Now if he is in a position where he could afford to do so, have at it hoss, enjoy yourself.

[OneEyedFish]

Originally Posted by saygdbye4134

Brett,

I do 15-20 interviews a week as part of my job, and honestly, unless the individual is going into a patient care division (i work for a hospital), the actual GPA of your major is never brought up, let alone a determining factor in employment. Most employers are just seeking that piece of paper, how you got it is of little concern.

My advice to you is to apply to as many jobs as possible. Even if it's not something that you can see yourself retiring from. On average, most people switch jobs 4.63 times in their life. Some way more. I would venture to guess that what you're looking for is a steady paycheck and benefits. Find jobs that have that and apply to it. Build yourself up some solid post graduate work history, which will allow you to land that job you really want a few years down the road.

Thank you, this seems to alleviate some stress. Nice to hear it from someone in the business.

Originally Posted by dmbgodagirl41

The sooner you get the whole "I must have my dream job now!" idea out of your head, the better.

I think right now, the most important thing is to line up a paying gig and then go from there. That's what I did. I got a job (behind a desk, not my dream job), but then I found out that my employer pays for grad school, which is what I'm doing now. Once I get my master's, I'll probably THEN be more prepared to start actively getting into the field I want while I try to get my PhD.

Looking back, I had no clue what I really wanted at 22. I barely know at 27. Just get a job that you know you won't hate (seriously, work is what you make of it. I make every single day a freaking party around here and I love coming into work), and just sort out your options. The whole "I want to be doing this by this time" thing is stupid.

I think not knowing what my dream job is will help. I have had no misconceived notions that I will have the best job in the world. Something to pay the bills and start working on my college loans is really ideal at this point.

Originally Posted by wampa3

In other words he would go traveling with money he likely doesn't have/could afford and miss time of work that would put him further in a hole. I'm all about enjoying life when you can, but I think someone would be able to do so 10-20 years down the road with much more security. Now if he is in a position where he could afford to do so, have at it hoss, enjoy yourself.

This is how I feel I guess. I would love to travel, run around Europe, spend a month in Argentina. Unfortunately, that just isn't possible.