As of August 2024, the United States has around 8.04 million job openings. On the other hand, in 2020, over 2 million people graduated from college in the U.S., and some estimates suggest that in 2024, there will be more than 4 million finishing their degrees.
So with more than 8 million job openings, finding a job should be easy — right? But every student knows that’s absolutely not the case.
Finding the right job can feel like searching for a precious jewel. You have to dig deep, work hard and push through setbacks as you sift through countless unwanted options before uncovering the right opportunities. The process can be extremely challenging, but it’s doable. UMass Boston is rich in resources: faculty, staff and other forms of support exist on campus and online. There are people whose jobs are to help us find work and real ways to make the most of the opportunities offered to us.
A video by Ali Abdaal, who has reviewed over 2,000 résumés, highlighted how even the most outstanding résumés and cover letters were often only slightly better than the rest. Sometimes, a small change or update made a huge difference. This shows how many of us tend to limit ourselves by trying to find all the answers on our own, without realizing that a five minute conversation with the right person could provide the solutions we need.
At UMass Boston, the Academic & Career Engagement & Success Center is a place where you can get career advice, help with your LinkedIn profile, résumé and cover letter, and other resources needed for job applications. It can be a powerful way to make the most of the resources available at UMass Boston. With ACES’ updated website, navigating the tools you need to understand potential career paths, learning the dos and don’ts of applications, and accessing other helpful resources is a breeze.
UMass Boston also offers plenty of networking opportunities. You can connect with alumni, attend department events and meet others in your major who’ve pursued careers that interest you. One of the best ways to advance your career is to learn from those who have already succeeded.
The upcoming ACES career fair on Nov. 13 is a great chance to network with potential mentors and employers. Departments like Economics also host regular seminars, and you can find details of other events happening on campus event on UMB Connect. Staying updated on these events is key to making valuable connections and creating strong first impressions that could support your career.
Finally, the greatest resource UMass Boston offers to its students and community is its people. In his video, Abdaal mentions that sometimes the best thing you can do is simply excel at what you’re already doing. It’s often less about what you’re doing and more about how well you’re doing it.
In my own journey, I’ve found countless resources from connecting with people. Faculty members are distinguished in their fields, and interacting with them can open doors for you. Take advantage of any opportunities to work with them! You can do so by taking their courses, participating to your fullest extent and pursuing connections with them outside of the classroom. If you ever need a reference, letter of recommendation or even advice, they’ll often be more than willing to help.
Happy job searching! I hope you achieve all the goals you’re working toward.
This article appeared in print on Page 14 of Vol. LVIII Issue V, published Oct. 21, 2024.
