5 Clues for 40 Years Old who Recently Earned a College Degree
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You have a degree, now focus on the impact that your degree has helped in honing and developing your skills. As a 40+ professional, you are in the middle of your professional career and in my opinion; it can look very bright once you clarify the difference that you have made in your journey as you have now added another asset to your professional belt. To prepare for your next career journey, note 4 to 5 accomplishments and place them on a networking card. This will help when you start to interview as well. First of all, don’t be dismayed about being judged on your age. Anyone who will judge you based this superficial factor, you probably don’t want to work for anyway. However, the workforce and hiring managers are seeking candidates to join their team who can help them to meet their goals. Second of all, you will do your career a huge favor, simply by focusing on ways in which you can build your knowledge base in your profession in such a way that helps you to solve problems, maintain the professional status quo and add an element of strategic innovation to the profession. So here’s to my 40+ recent college graduates, let’s find 5 ways to help you to get a clue after graduation.

  • Clue Number 1 – You have a degree, now get a profession. Touch basis with your advisers, professors and your alumni network to talk, discuss, and collaborate on communications that are sure to lead to networking and sharing updates on new company openings, relevant industry changes and potential job openings. Your classmates are your first allies in your professional journey. Get a clue and try to develop some of the relationships that you have fostered over the past 2 to 4 years while in school. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Stumbleupon are great ways to get started. Use this opportunity to set yourself apart from other colleagues and discover and announce your personal brand.


  • Clue Number 2 – You have a degree, not a guarantee, get a clue about your industry and become a subject matter expert in your field. One of the best resources is the occupational outlook handbook. Use this opportunity to read about the various facets of your profession. Get a clue and learn about relevant job duties, growth of profession, and salary ranges.


  • Clue Number 3 – You have a degree, now get an affiliation. Professional affiliations communicate a message of professionalism. It lets your colleagues know that your knowledge base is current in your industry and that you are a part of a strong network of colleagues in your industry. There are opportunities for leadership as well. Get a clue and join. Membership has its privileges.


  • Clue Number 4 – You have a degree, now learn about how to use social media and technology to enhance your job search as well as your companies perception that you are a relevant, contributor to the industry. LinkedIn, Facebook, e-resumes, e-portfolio, smartphones, Viadeo, Ecademy, XING, Brazen Careerist, Biznik, Behance, Carbonmade, Figdig, Twitter, apps, You tube, and you name it. If it’s technology, it behooves you to join it. Hyperlink your LinkedIn url next to your email on your resume. Get a clue and get relevant with social media, to showcase your potential contribution to the workforce as relevant.


  • Clue Number 5 – You have a degree, now discover the hidden uses of traditional job boards. If a company is hiring, take a look at their competitor. Identify their competitor by using Hoovers.com. The free version gives you the top three competitors for an organization. Most jobs are not posted. Get a clue and use this research time to uncover potential hidden jobs as well.