What To Do After Graduation

Congratulations, all that education is now going to be put to use.  If you are currently working, its time to ask for a promotion, or a raise.  If you're not working it's time to get that resume out there. 

Resume Advice

When writing your resume, you will want to use industry buzz words that are relevant to your field.  Write about your course work that was relevant.  If you remaining in the same field, write about how you applied what you learned.  If you feel that your education is your strongest asset, place it at the top of your resume.  Write an original resume, don't copy it from the numerous resume programs.  Your experience is unique, so why do you want to look like every other applicant.  Try to keep your resume as one page, any more and you'll likely lose the readers attention.  Most employers mainly consider your last or current job. 

Write a cover letter for each job application.  A cover letter helps you to emphasize your strongest assets.  Write about a challenge that you were able to overcome.  Write why you think you a perfect fit for that job.  Tailor it to the application, if the want 2-5 years experience, write down exactly how much experience you want.  Employers can receives thousands of resumes, you want yours to stand out.   

It takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour to tailor a resume and a letter for each job application.  Plan on sending out a few a day.  Applying for work is a full time job, but if narrow your search, tailor your resume and letter, you will get more responses then just spamming out your resume. 

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Asking For A Raise

Honestly I think its easier to find a new job, but if you are so inclined, you can ask your boss for a raise. (Only if you have a relevant degree, that is valuable to the company.) The best time to do this is during your annual review.  The review is when you get feedback for your work at the company and you get to renegotiate your salary and / or benefits.  If you get a positive review then its a good time to ask for a raise.  Let your boss know that you done with your degree.  Tell him or her what the average salary is for someone with your education and experience.  If you are a valuable asset to the company they will negotiate with you.  If you are unhappy with the result then you should consider finding work elsewhere. 

Many employers will automatically give you a raise if you graduate with a degree that is highly relevant, i.e. MBA.  You are a very important asset to the company, and your degree makes you ever more valuable. 

"Without education we are in a horrible and deadly danger of taking educated people seriously." - G.K. Chesterson