What would you say to today's new college grads?

[Pat Coyle]

We have been hearing lately from frustrated parents of new college grads. Their kids have diplomas, but little clue what to do first in order to enter the workforce. While this scenario may be typical of any year, tt is clear that this year's college crop enters a tighter job market and a volatile global landscape. Prospects of lifetime employment at big comfy firms are pretty well gone. And a look at the biggest growth sectors doesn't offer much hope for may high paying positions:

Top 10 Fastest Growing Occupations: 2004 - 2014

* Home health aides
* Network systems and data communications analysts
* Medical assistants
* Physician assistants
* Computer software engineers
* Physical therapist assistants
* Dental hygienists
* Computer software engineers
* Dental assistants
* Personal and home care aides

So what would you tell your new college grad? What advice would you offer in order to set the grad on a path to success in the workforce and in life? Please share your thoughts here.

[Thomas Ho]

I don't have anything "philosophical" to offer, but I am advising young people to differentiate themselves by building their "personal brand" via an online identity because just a resume won't "cut it" anymore!

My students in CIT 499 didN'T "get it" at the beginning of the last semester, but as you can see, they were catching on by the end of the semester. I'm trying to "practice what I preach"

[Susan Kent]

As a career coach, I couldn't agree more. If you don't stand out, innovate, and actively market yourself, you're a goner. Creating a brand that is relevant and professional can easily be done through CareerScribe and it's FREE.

Check it out.

[Arik Flanders]

Network, network, network as much as possible and constantly follow up with all of your new contacts.

[David Mark]

Go back to the womb and brew until the storm passes.

[Chris Baggott]

Start a business! Or join a startup. There is no better post graduate work you can do but learn to take care of yourself. When the economy turns you can say "oh I cut grass all summer" or you can say "I tried to start my own business; From that experience I learned......."

[James Welsh]

second that

[Robby Slaughter]

Just because you are out of school doesn't mean you should stop learning. Read something new every day, even if it's just Wikipedia. Practice the specific skills you learned in college, whether this means joining a foreign language club, programming software for fun, doing statistical calculations, or giving speeches at Toastmasters. I know I am most impressed not by what people have done, but by what they are doing in their lives today.

@robbyslaughter

[Ann Clifford]

Young grads without jobs need to get their foot in the door. To do this, they must be willing to do whatever it takes. Consider the following:

Intern for a month with no pay.
Go to network meetings.
Volunteer at events to meet business leaders.
Take any job that is offered, even if is retail or restaurant work. (Don't worry how it looks on your resume.)
Turn your job search into a full time job.
Have your resume professionally reviewed.
Let your ego go!

Ann Clifford
Safari Solutions

[Dave Gibbs]

Do not fear!

Develop a plan, get wise counsel and execute a direction.

[Staraya McKinstry]

I graduated from grad school last summer and have felt the wrath of the storm for the last 8 months!!!!!!!!! I think the best advice I can tell people is to network as much as possible, and hold as many internships as needed.

Internships are the best way to network and get experience, also while keeping yourself marketable to other companies that my become potential employers. You cant just sit still or employers will wonder what knowledge you have obtained while just waiting for a job to come along, they want to see that you have been actively doing what you can to still stay competitive. Show that you are determined to do what it takes, even if that means working a job for money and having an internship in a field that is close to what you would like to have as a career!

Last but not lease (which I am still struggling with myself) Stay positive, if you work hard and want something bad enough, the universe always tends to lead you to it!

[Lindsey Taylor]

I think I have some good advice since I will be graduating in Dec. I have been on the hunt for any type of networks for the past couple of years. My advice: be persistant, do not contact one person and think that is enough. People are busy and you need to be almost stalker-ish to get attention. Do that and know what you want and connections will come. Also, while working at whatever job, take internships or work for free for a couple of hours in the field you want just to get that experience. It sucks but it makes more connections and gives you more experience which is what you need to get in your dream field!

[John Maler]

Good insights, all. I'm an adjunct professor at the Art Institute, teaching a "Marketing Fundamentals" class which my students must take in order to graduate.

I have 30 undergraduates studying graphic design, photography, interactive web design, and fashion marketing/merchandising. I make an effort to link my marketing lectures to their future success, both personally and professionally.

You know the expression "starving artist"? My goal is to turn that into "well-fed artist" ;-)

Any suggestions on what you'd tell my students, if you could?