Finding a Job After Graduation: Advice for Recent Grads

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around strategies for recent graduates, particularly in chemical engineering, to find employment after graduation. Participants share their experiences and seek advice on job applications, networking, and the effectiveness of various job search methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions applying to around 40 positions and expresses frustration with the lack of success, seeking advice on improving their job search strategy.
  • Another suggests looking beyond job boards to company career pages and specific sectors like DOE labs and environmental consulting, indicating a potential for more opportunities there.
  • A third participant emphasizes the importance of a strong letter of recommendation from internship supervisors, noting that work history can be a significant advantage in a competitive job market.
  • One participant shares their experience of applying online and expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of online applications, noting that they have not had success with them.
  • Another participant echoes the sentiment about online applications, stating that they have also faced challenges and frustrations when trying to reach out to potential employers directly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a general consensus on the difficulties of finding a job after graduation, particularly through online applications. However, there are differing opinions on the effectiveness of various job search strategies, such as using company websites versus job boards.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying levels of success with different job search methods, indicating that individual experiences may depend on factors such as location, industry demand, and personal networking efforts.

Who May Find This Useful

Recent graduates in engineering or related fields, job seekers exploring different job application strategies, and individuals interested in networking and career advice may find this discussion relevant.

StarSoup
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Hi everyone,
I just graduated 5 months ago with a ChemE degree and I need advice on finding a job. I have a good GPA (3.4) and have 3 summers worth of internships. I live in the US and am willing to relocate.

So far I've applied to about 40 positions (I know, I know that's not a lot). I've been making cold calls and going to every career fair in my state, but I am having zero luck. I called my boss from my previous internship and he doesn't have anything for me either.

I really want to get more serious and change up my strategy but I just don't know how. Any advice on how to step it up is appreciated.

Thanks.
 
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Are you applying only through sites like monster and usajobs? I've found more offerings by actually seeking out companies' career pages. On top of big and medium size chem businesses, look into DOE labs and environmental consulting agencies. Lots of demand for chem engies there.

I've ran into quite a lot of postings for chem engineers at the entry level, no doubt you've already applied to them if you've already done 40. All I can say is just keep trying. If you haven't had luck with your credentials, I wonder what kind of hope there is for the rest of us...
 
A decent letter of recommendation from your internship supervisor might open a door or two. Work-history is a big sell for managers in this economic environment.

My nephew interned summers at a paper mill while studying engineering. He had to relocate to the southern end of the state to get decent wages, but he had work waiting for him when he graduated. He was quite diligent about his work history as an intern, because jobs in central Maine are scarce, and he didn't want to leave the state like his older brother did. Good luck.
 
Thank you for the replies
Yes Lava, I usually first find the jobs on boards like monster and indeed, but then I go to the companies website and apply directly through them.

Has anyone had much success with online applications?? I had a little faith in them because I somehow got my internships with them. But they're feeling more and more like a big waste of time. I'm not sure what else to do though. I've tried calling places to see if I could get a contact and ask some questions so I could stand out, but they've been very rude when I call. Its like how dare I have the nerve to disturb them for 2 minutes.
 
I've never had success with online applications. I still send them out occasionally. I have also called places like you said with similar results.

Getting a job can tough, landing a career can be very difficult. The longer you spend out of school looking the harder it gets...
 

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