Dear Recession Struck College Graduate

Graduating from college during an employment slump stinks. It's like the universe dumped on you just because of your birthday. I empathize. It happened to me.

Now...get over it.

It's October. Summer is long over. If you haven't picked-up the pieces of your shattered prospects, start now, immediately. Here are three things I want you to do:

Get a Job
That's right, get a job. Any job will do. It doesn't have to be in your field and it doesn't have to be full-time. It just needs to pay. People innately respect the employed. It's much easier to get hired into a desirable position when you already earn a paycheck. If you can get a job in your industry, even as the gopher, take it. If you cannot, take any paying job that you can.

BTW, department stores like Macy's and other retail shops begin training seasonal help this time of year. There is no better way to test your mettle than on the sales floor. Even during this recession they will be hiring.

If you absolutely cannot get a paid job, volunteer. Select a nonprofit in your area that matches your interest or chosen profession. Telephone or Email either the program director, the communications director or the executive director. Ask if they have a volunteer internship available or can create one for you. Let them know:

1. You sincerely care about their mission
2. You are ready to work hard
3. You want to build your professional network
4. You want to earn one or two references

If you go the volunteer route you can be a little picky. You want your experience to be fulfilling. You're still going to do scut work, but make sure that you speak to someone who understands and agrees with your personal goals.

Volunteering is noble and rewarding at any stage of your career.

Write
Professors and rain makers share a saying, publish or perish. A body of written work demonstrates your knowledge and expertise. Writing can lead to jobs, recognition, speaking engagements and clients. As a recent graduate looking for a job, your published articles can give you an edge on your competition.

Thanks to the Internet, publishing your work has never been easier. Just blog. If you can afford your own domain, about $100 a year, you should establish your own web space. Most domain hosts even feature one-click WordPress install. If you cannot afford web hosting, get a free blog on Blogger.com. You can even get free WordPress or Blogger themes to make your site look professional. Your blog will become your home base on the web. You can publish your writings and link to your Twitter, Facebook and other social media accounts.

As a recent college graduate you have an edge. You have a hard drive filled with assignments and term papers that you can transform into blog posts. You might write articles concerning recent news in your industry or response pieces to other bloggers' articles. Be sure to add and explain your own opinions when you do these types of stories. If you attend a conference or seminar, live blog it. There's no end of professional subject matter you can blog.

Network
Make it your mission to meet other people, especially in your profession. Join an industry association, go to Tweet-ups and other nearby events. It's not difficult to find local event calendars on the Web. If you can't find one, create one on your blog. Hosting a local and national events calendar can lead to relationships with organizers and industry leaders.

Get active on Twitter and Facebook. Follow and friend members of your professional community. I belong to a community of hundreds of Internet marketing professionals that spans the globe. At any given time I can jump into a conversation on Twitter.

Nurture your network. Lend a hand to others and promote them. It might be as simple as re-tweeting an announcement or as involved as helping to organize an event. Participation is the best way to meet others and build friendships.

Working, writing and networking are all central to a successful career. When you do all three you build your reputation. Next thing you know you'll be asked to moderate a conference panel or speak at an event. Speaking engagements will lead to better clients and new job opportunities. Don't let age or lack of experience dissuade you. Do a little forethought and planning. Participate enthusiastically. Pace yourself and be professional.

Most of all, have fun, lots of fun. Your profession is your calling or a big part of it. It should be rewarding and energizing.

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