The Graduate: The struggle of finding a job

A university degree nowadays is a pretty common occurrence. In a graduation speech at Dartmouth college in the United States, comedian, Conan O'Brien jokes to the graduates,

"Today, you have achieved something special ----something only 92 percent of Americans your age will ever know:  a college diploma.   That’s right, with your college diploma you now have a crushing advantage over 8 percent of the workforce."

 Whilst O'Brien's speech is dripping with sarcasm it also completely true. Consequently, there are thousands of graduates each year competing for a job, each have a university degree and each are trying to be unique. Some graduates decide to postpone entering the job market and undertake a masters, others travel but most are hoping to start their career. 

One of the key obstacles I have found in attempting to get a job is the need for work experience or internships. These placements themselves can be incredibly difficult to secure as yet again there are many people vying for these experiences. Accordingly, not only is it difficult to get a job but it is difficult secure experience that you need to get a job. 

Luckily I've managed to secure placements with two advertising firms and a regional newspaper. This has definitely boosted my CV and given me invaluable experience. Nonetheless, just like having a degree doesn't mean you are guaranteed a job, neither does work experience. Consequently, I decided it  was important to seek a longer internship that would give me a greater understanding of the media and advertising. However, this is yet again where one may run into difficulty. Very few of the internships I and several others have applied for are paid. This makes it very difficult to fund your time during the internships, unless you work both weekdays and weekends. Secondly, the majority of the opportunities are in London. I live in the North of England and thus need accommodation when living in the South but find it difficult to pay rent whilst undertaking an unpaid internship. Nevertheless, companies and agencies can do this because positions are so contested and thus graduates are willing to work for free. Desperate to start their careers. This then arguably isolates those who can't afford to undertake an unpaid placement. 

One thing that can't be doubted is the need to make oneself unique. Stand out from the crowd. Be different, original and imaginative. There are jobs out there. Don't be disheartened through rejections. Use interviews as experiences and learning curves. Be prepared to work for free, work hard and impress to enhance that CV. I'm still seeking a job in the media and advertising but I'm not going to give up. I've got to grasp the opportunities that come my way.

"When you've worked hard and done well and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you." -Michelle Obama, Democratic National Convention

Conan O'Brien's words of wisdom at the Dartmouth College Graduation are filled with honesty and optimism for graduates and everyone. Watch it and smile.