What to Do If You Have a Job Before Graduation (And If You Haven’t)

Congratulations! You’re one of the lucky few that’s landed a job before graduation! Time to kick back and relax, right? Think again. When you have a job secured before graduation, there is even more incentive to do well in classes. For just as quickly as you’ve landed your job, you can just as quickly lose it. Expectations from Employers Many employers expect college students they’ve hired to maintain a certain GPA during their final year of college, and the standards are rigid. Some programs require a minimum 3.5 GPA to guarantee their job after college. With that, it’s imperative that seniors attend class, study hard for exams and cultivate thought-provoking essays. Other new hire programs or companies may require students that they’ve hired to attend training on weekends as well as virtual seminars. New hires may also be required to stay connected with a hiring manager on a regular basis, whether by phone or email. Finally, employers expect college students to stick with them. If you’ve committed to an employer by accepting their offer, you should keep your word. Don’t continue interviewing with other potential employers and keep “placeholders” at various companies. If You Don’t Have a Job Before Graduation Don’t panic. Most soon-to-be graduates don’t have a job lined up before May. However, just because you don’t have a job doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work toward attaining one during your senior year. Fortunately, you’re in the perfect place to find a job after graduation. There are plenty of resources at your disposal on a college campus. Set up a time to meet with someone at your campus career center. They can guide you toward a career that you would excel in through aptitude tests, and help you create a resume and practice interviewing for jobs. Additionally, they can point you to alumni in your field of interest or companies that have your desired position or career path. You can also use your college major to estimate your salary. Monster's grad page is designed to help you find entry-level jobs. Research companies and submit your resume and cover letter. But before you send your resume, get a free resume assessment; it never hurts to have this triple checked! If there is a company or job that interests you, send your resume – and worry about how you’ll do in the interview or whether you’re totally qualified for the job later. How you conduct yourself during the application process and after you’ve accepted the position matters, regardless of whether you get the job before graduation. Just be sure to make your commitment and dedication apparent to your employer.