It's that time of year again...

Written by: Shelley Maley, PHR, GCDF, Dreamcatcher Career Coaching, LLC

GRADUATION SEASON!!
 
Whether it’s from high school, college, the military, or a trade school,
 
and they’re getting their diploma, bachelor’s degree, masters degree, or PhD,
 
now is a great time to offer our words of advice.
 
What would YOU like to tell our new graduates??
 
Here are my words of wisdom ---
 
Most folks don’t land in the right spot right out of the gate.
 
In other words, your first job or career (or perhaps your child's) may not be THE ONE.
 
Just like in the fairy tale, you may kiss a lot of frogs until you find your Prince Charming.
 
If the first job offer doesn’t seem like THE DREAM JOB and your phone isn’t otherwise “ringing off the hook” with job offers, consider taking the opportunity and making the most of it.
 
You’ll learn valuable transferable skills that will serve you well into the future.
(think teamwork, communication, professionalism, and so much more!)
 
You’ll meet lots of interesting new folks to expand your professional network.
(and those folks may see your potential and think of you for future opportunities!)
 
You may identify someone who would love to be your mentor.
(you are so very lucky if you do!)
 
You will witness folks working in other roles you may have never considered or had even known about.
(that may result in developing an interest in something completely unrelated to your major or intended career)
 
You will develop clarity around what you want your work/life balance to look like.
(This is HUGE, folks!!)
 
While it’s okay to take an offer when needed (like when you need to start paying those student loans), just don’t let yourself (or your child) get caught in the trap of underemployment.