Suggestion for recent graduates... Just keep swimming!!!

I came to the US in 2008/09 and pursued a master's in computer science from New York University. Currently, I am working at LinkedIn as a staff software engineer. 

In these tough times, lots of people seek advice on finding a job, especially recent graduates. I have been through a similar situation in 2008. I was able to navigate my career successfully and landed an internship and eventually full time with one of the well-known banks. 

With this article, I would like to share my learning in a few points. 

Be Better

Having a degree makes you eligible for a job, but that doesn't make you stand out. There are a couple of things you can do e.g.

• Add relevant certifications to your resume.
• Add relevant courses(e.g., online courses) that can take your skills to the next level.
• Familiarize yourself with the company's business before going to the interview.
• Focus on soft skills. Soft skills are personal attributes that influence how well you can work or interact with others. These skills make it easier to form relationships with people, create trust and dependability, and lead teams. Every company, no matter which field, they look out for soft skills, so please don't take it lightly. 

Networking

Networking is an essential skill in navigating a career. 

Please don't be shy; reach out to people who have a successful career in your field and seek their advice. There are others way you can do networking e.g. 

• Meetups
• Conferences
• Online forums
• And of course, LinkedIn.

Some experience

I think that some experience is better than no experience. An internship, part-time job, or an unpaid job in a relevant field will enhance your resume, and you will learn new things. I did an unpaid internship while studying at NYU, and it helped me a lot to grow. 

Follow the trends

• Even in the market downturn, some companies are hiring. Find out what skills they are looking for and how you can add value. 
• Find out cities who are doing better than others and, if required, be ready to move. 
• Be flexible to learn new/trending skills, even if they are not directly related to your current skill set. 

Keep faith in yourself.

Last but not least, the market downturn is temporary, but knowledge is permanent. Learn from your mistakes, overcome your weakness, and do something new every day to improve yourself. E.g., read books, pursuit a hobby. 

"A day without learning is a day wasted."