Top 10 Questions from MonsterTRAK Members

by Peter Vogt

MonsterTRAK Career Coach

My editor at MonsterTRAK has nagged -- er, um, encouraged me to be edgier in my articles and interactions with you on the Career Planning for College Students message board.

"How am I going to do that?" I asked my wife as I sat down to write this piece.

"You're kidding, aren't you?" she said with a chuckle.

Her comment reminded me that I do get a little on edge when I see MonsterTRAK members repeatedly asking the same career-related questions. I know the audience comes and goes, but sometimes I have a lurking feeling of "been there, done that." So I'm taking this opportunity to vent for the first time since I started working with Monster in 1999 while helping you at the same time. Now in one complete package, I give you the top 10 questions posed by MonsterTRAK users and their answers.

What's the Best Way to Look for a Job?

Go beyond using only one or two methods of searching, such as old standbys like the newspaper classifieds and the Internet. Instead, diversify your approach.

What Career Should I Go Into?

I have no idea; I don't know you. But I do know you have to explore career options, including ones you're not familiar with (yet). Figure out what you like, what you're good at and what makes you tick, and then use your critical-thinking skills to make an informed decision about what career to pursue.

Why Won't Employers Give Me a Chance?

Because employers aren't in business to give chances. They want to make money or, in the case of nonprofits, promote an important cause. You have to figure out what they want -- and give it to them.

When Should I Start Looking for a Job?

It's never too soon to start your job search. Yes, it may not make sense to apply for a full-time job if you're not graduating from college for another year. But you can still start putting out feelers.

What Should My Major Be?

I still have no idea; I don't know you. But I can tell you that help is widely available, it's usually pretty easy to tell when you've chosen the wrong major and even if you end up graduating with an ill-fitting major, you can still get the career you want.

How Can I Get a Job Outside My Major?

Other students have done this. You can too.

How Do You Network, Especially with No One to Network With?

Actually, you have people to network with all around you. Networking is a fancy word for talking to people -- either in person, on the phone or even via email, whichever approach you prefer. It's getting to know people, but it's also helping people get to know you.

How Can I Get an Internship?

Seven different strategies can help you get your foot in the door. Go for it, because the experience is no longer optional. Besides, your internship might turn into a full-time job. At a minimum, it will impress future employers and teach you skills you'd never learn in the classroom.

How Am I Supposed to Get a Job Without Experience?

By pursuing a stepping-stone activity, like an internship or co-op, or a temporary work assignment. Remember that the jobs that paid the bills during college taught you important skills as well.

What Can I Do with a Major in ______?

Your major doesn't define or confine you. Once you've been in the real world for a while, your college major isn't all that relevant anymore. Still, if you want to get some ideas on how your major might translate into the world of work, there are many ways to do it.

There. I feel better already.

© 2008 MonsterTRAK