Beyond the Degree: Career Planning for New College Graduates

The Reality Check

Graduating from college is a significant achievement. You've earned your degree and spent many hours in classes, projects, and exams. Now, you're ready to start your career. But here's the truth: many graduates don't see that your degree is just the beginning, not the end. In over years as a Talent Acquisition professional, I have seen thousands of resumes and interviewed many candidates. I have worked with companies of all sizes and natures, from tech to large corporations. I can say this for sure: degrees alone won't get you hired. What matters are your skills. You need practical skills that employers want today. 

Understanding the Shift - From Degrees to Skills

The Rise of Skills-Based Hiring 

Employers care more about what you can do than where you studied. Job descriptions now focus on the skills and tools you need, not just your degree. This is especially true in industries like tech, digital marketing, design, sales, finance, and HR. 

What this means for you: 

• A BA in Business won't help you get a business analyst job unless you know Excel, SQL, or BI tools. 

• A Computer Science degree doesn't guarantee a job as a developer unless you can solve coding challenges. 

• A Mass Communication degree won't land you a content strategist role without a portfolio or social media experience. 

Academic Achievement ≠ Employability

Your GPA may show your hard work, but it doesn't mean you can: 

• Work well in a team 

• Communicate clearly 

• Meet deadlines 

• Solve real problems 

• Use industry tools 

These are the skills that companies look for when hiring, and this is where many graduates fall short.

Identify Your Target Career Path

Before you build skills, you need to know what job or field you want. General goals like "something in marketing" or "maybe tech" won't help you. 

Ask Yourself These Questions:

• What industry interests me? 

• What entry-level jobs are available in that industry? 

• What will I do in those roles? 

• What skills do employers want? 

Use These Tools for Career Exploration: 

• LinkedIn Jobs: Search for roles with "entry-level" filters. 

• Glassdoor, Indeed, Hired.com: Look at job descriptions to find skill trends. 

• Talk to Professionals: Connect with alums or industry workers on LinkedIn to learn about their jobs. 

Once you identify your target, you can start figuring out the skills you need.

Identify and Build Practical Skills

This part is crucial for your job preparation focus on learning to do. You need both hard and soft skills. 

Hard Skills: Tangible, Technical, Teachable 

These skills depend on your career goal. Examples: 

How to Learn:

• Online Courses (Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning) 

• YouTube (Free, but find reliable creators) 

• Certifications (Google, Meta, HubSpot, AWS, Microsoft) 

Soft Skills: The Non-Negotiables

These skills are often essential. 

• Communication: Can you write clear emails? Can you present ideas well? 

• Time Management: Can you meet deadlines on your own? 

• Problem Solving: Can you tackle tasks logically? 

• Team Collaboration: Are you flexible in working with others? 

How to Learn:

• Join workshops or Toastmasters clubs 

• Volunteer in NGOs or college clubs 

• Take practice interviews and have group discussions 

• Read, reflect, and practice consistently.

Demonstrate Your Skills in the Job Market

Once you have your skills, you need to show them effectively. 

Create a Skills-Based Resume

Don't just list your degree. Highlight: 

• Tools and platforms you know 

• Certifications 

• Projects (academic, freelance, personal) 

• Achievements with measurable results 

Before: BBA Graduate from XYZ College 

After: BBA Graduate with hands-on experience in Excel dashboards, Google Analytics, and Meta Ads. Built a digital campaign that increased NGO reach by 35% in 3 months. 

Use LinkedIn Effectively

• Complete your profile with a clear headline, summary, and skills. 

• Share your learning experiences. 

• Connect with hiring managers and former students. 

• Engage with content in your industry. 

Using LinkedIn regularly can significantly increase your visibility.

Gain Experience Through Internships, Volunteering, and Freelancing 

Don't underestimate the value of real-world experience, even if it's unpaid or short-term.

Why Experience is Important

Employers want to see proof that you have applied your knowledge in real situations. This can be from, but not limited to: 

• Internship 

• Volunteering

• Running a college campaign

Experience helps you build confidence and credibility.

Set Realistic Expectations and Timelines

There's No "Perfect Job" Right After College

You may not find your dream job right away, and that's okay. Focus on entry-level jobs that offer: 

• Learning opportunities 

• Exposure to useful tools 

• Space to experiment and grow 

Skill Mastery Takes Time

Expect to spend 3 to 6 months working consistently to become good at a new skill. Plan your time by: 

• Learning for 1 hour every day 

• Completing two projects each month 

• Having one networking call each week 

Your First Job Will Not Be Your Last Job

Avoid obsessing over job titles. Choose roles that teach you something valuable and help you reach your long-term goals.

Your Career is a Long Journey 

Your degree is the start. Now, build your career with skills, real-world experience, and the ability to adapt. The job market rewards those who are proactive, curious, and willing to keep learning.

As a graduate, you have more power than you think. Don't wait for the perfect job. Start becoming the person who will stand out in the job market in six months.

 Remember: You're not just looking for a job. You're building skills, growing, and preparing for the future.