In 2024, 2 million people will graduate from college, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. With graduation season in full swing, many young people are already entering the workforce or beginning to look for jobs.
If you are considering your first career moves, remember to keep a running list of your work accomplishments and to pack your resume with examples of the impact you’ve made on the organizations you’ve been part of, including internships and school groups.
Here are a few other tips from career experts for new grads to consider.
Joining professional associations is ‘such a superpower’
When it comes to looking for your first full-time job, lean into groups like any of the clubs, sports teams or Greek life you were part of to network.
“Chances are, there is a spreadsheet, a Google Doc somewhere listing out former members of the organization,” says Gorick Ng, Harvard career advisor and creator of the “How To Say It” flashcard series for professional communication. Those are people you can reach out to and make connections with who can potentially clue you in to opportunities that aren’t necessarily public.
Your field might also have all sorts of professional associations — for examples, in accounting there’s the American Accounting Association; in dentistry there’s the National Dental Association. “And that is such a great way to grow your skills and your network and your reputation,” says career coach Phoebe Gavin. It’s about showing up, “asking good questions, contributing, saying hello to people, being available, being responsive, going to the events.”
Some of these associations may have job boards, but they’re also a great way to meet people who could open those kinds of doors down the line.
Joining one is “such a superpower,” says Gavin.
