After graduating from college, most young professionals believe their next step involves one of two things: going to graduate school, or joining the workforce. Although these paths can often predicate long-lasting careers, certain grads may also benefit from other options, including the always-daunting “year-off” plan.

It’s a common misconception that taking a year off after college puts individuals at a disadvantage. While there are definitely some personality types that benefit from a direct transition, others may need some time to soften the blow of no longer being in college (Sidenote: if this sounds like you, don’t feel ashamed! Trust me, entering the real world isn’t easy for anyone.). Here are a few helpful options if the concept of taking time off appeals to you:

1.Studying: It might sound mundane, but plenty of people take a year off to fully prepare themselves for the grad school’s inevitable academic overhaul. Not only that, many people also find it helpful to concentrate solely on the GRE, LSAT or MCAT after they graduate, simply because they were too focused on their undergraduate academics before. If you know grad school is in your future, taking a year off to prepare could easily benefit you both academically and emotionally.
2.Travel: As one of the most common reasons to take a year off, traveling is more of an explorative experience than anything else. Whether you choose to backpack across Europe or teach English in a developing country, taking time off to travel the world will provide you with unmatched opportunities for introspection and adventure. For individuals who genuinely have no clue what they want career-wise, traveling can be a great way to figure out where your ambitions lie.
3.Networking: While some might find this option synonymous with playing video games in your parents’ basement, taking time to build connections in your field of choice can provide multiple long-term benefits. This option is also time-subjective, and depends mostly on when you find the job opportunity that best suits you. For people who aren’t willing to settle, taking time off after college to network with your dream companies can be a great option. However, remembering to keep an open mind is always important too.

For some, taking time off after college can make a world of difference, be it academically or emotionally. But whatever you choose, keep one thing in mind – when it comes time to find your first job, your options only reach as far as your attitude. Stay positive, and good things will most certainly follow.

From the time they’re in elementary school, most middle-class American kids know the same thing: they will, someday, and in some form, go to college. As we grow older and begin receiving letter grades and taking exams, this abstract concept becomes not only more concrete, but more daunting as well. The expectations that follow this designated path form what can only be described as a double-edged sword. While it’s certainly beneficial to live life with a plan, this sense of predictability can ultimately lead college students into confusion when it comes time to choose a post-graduate path.

Although many college students share the looming fear of being that twenty-something who still lives in their parents’ basement, the pressure to make moves directly following graduation isn’t always the best option. While certain career paths necessitate a direct transition into the workforce, most don’t. This is also the case with most post-graduate programs, even medical and law school.

This week, we’re delving into the alternatives to grad-school and entry-level jobs. While it definitely seems scary, taking a year or two off in between graduation is a great decision for many students, especially those who might be on the fence about their potential career plans.

Have you ever felt pressure to make a career or academic decision before you felt ready to do so? We’d love to hear your story!

Check out these links to find out more about starting your own blog:

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Social media a path to job opportunity

For some, that really is the question. Whether you’re looking to break into a writing-intensive industry or not, having a personal blog can give you the edge you need to get your dream job.

While we always suggest trying it out, we’ll admit that blogging isn’t for everyone. If writing’s not even a remote strongsuit of yours, or if you despise the idea of chronicling your thoughts for all of cyberspace to gaze upon, having a blog may not be the right choice for you. But for the majority of young professionals, blogging can be a great way to show off personality and writing skills while opening the door for significant networking opportunities.

A blog can entail many things, from humor to philosophy. However, it’s always important to have a direction in mind. Some young professionals go the obvious route, writing about the college-to-career transition and twenty-something city life, but others take a more specific approach. Finding a niche can be a great way to self-identify in the often chaotic blogosphere, and whether you’re writing a guide to gluten-free desserts or detailing the latest celebrity breakups, expressing yourself is always great to do.

Which types of blogs interest you the most? Do you think you’re more likely to comment on blogs with a specific focus as opposed to more general ones?

In an age governed by technology, blogging has never been more crucial. It’s gotten to the point where this self-expressive form of communication is becoming necessary for many young professionals looking to score entry-level jobs. Whether you’re trying to break into the advertising industry or the restaurant biz, having a personal blog is a helpful way to show people your personality, your pursuits, and most notably, your writing style.

This week, we’re discussing the growing trend of personal blogs as a tool for getting hired. We’ll look closely into different types of blogs and their relative value in terms of networking, writing samples, and simply getting noticed. For those of you who debate over the pros and cons of having a blog, look no further – we’ve got it covered.

Do you have a personal blog? Would you consider submitting it to a potential employer? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Back in high school, many of us faced stress over which sport to play, which musical to audition for,  and which club meeting to attend. Now that a few years have passed, the college-aged versions of those  decisions seem more aligned with internships and courses than extracurricular activities. While these opportunities often fall by the wayside for college students, they can actually play a key role in guiding your career path.

At many large universities, students feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of classes and majors at their disposal, which can cause already-intimidated freshman to shy away from any non-obligatory activities. This week, we’re looking at the multiple ways by which extracurricular groups can help narrow students’ aspirations with a degree of realism a classroom can’t always provide.

First off, it’s important to remember that joining a club isn’t an iron-clad commitment. Simply attending introductory meetings at the beginning of the semester can help you shop around and figure out which groups fit with your schedule and ideology. By entering each initial meeting with an open mind, you’ll be able to test the waters and hopefully find an extracurricular that’s perfect for you.

Another important aspect of extracurriculars is their connection to real-world benefits. In groups such as pre-law and pre-med societies, members have the opportunity to network with professionals whose careers may closely mirror their collegiate goals. It’s always beneficial to talk with someone in a field that interests you, but when you’re part of a group that’s intent on doing so, it makes the process more accessible overall.

In general, extracurriculars are a great way to meet people who share your interests, speak with professionals and ultimately, figure out what you want to do with your life. Have you ever been part of a club in college? How did it help you confirm or expand your career goals?

Upon entering college, most people aren’t blessed with a clear idea of what they want in life. While those with solid aspirations know which steps to follow, the rest of us must face that all-determining question, once and for all – What do you want to be when you grow up?

It’s a number of things – daunting, uncertain and lofty, just to name a few. But even though picking a career might seem more challenging than olympic ice luging, everyone has the power to turn it into a positive experience. College essentially exists so young adults can filter through their academic likes and dislikes, and using this process to your advantage will certainly help narrow down possible jobs.

This upcoming week, we’ll teach you how to use college as a guide in your search for an ideal career. Through classes, extracurriculars, advising and so much more, we know you can break through the uncertainty.

After a two-week hiatus, the 1stGiG blog is back with a vengeance. Okay, so maybe that’s a little strong, but we’re certainly ready, once again, to deliver job advice to all you young professionals out there. Whether you’re looking to ascend the corporate ladder or get into grad school, we’re sure our career-minded perspective will help you out – or at least provide you with some lunch-break entertainment.

Before we delve into this week’s topic, we thought it was due time for a little boasting. Although we’re quite the humble bunch at 1stGiG, we’re proud to announce that eduinreview.com, a site that provides different resources for college students nationwide, has featured 1stGiG in one of its recent blog posts. The post, titled “1stGig.com Helps Graduates Find Their First Careers,” is an awesome rundown of the 1stGiG mission, how our service works, and most flatteringly, the many benefits we offer our members. Thanks a ton for the shout out, guys!

We were so thrilled to see another blog giving our service such great praise. At 1stGiG, we know how awesome it feels to get noticed, which is why we’re determined to find each of our members their ideal career. Stay tuned for this week’s next update, which will focus on figuring out exactly what you want in a job!

To read eduinreview’s full blog post about the 1stGiG service, click here.

As we grow older and begin applying to graduate programs and jobs, we begin to realize that getting what you want is never a guarantee. Though it may sound bleak, learning to deal with rejection is a major part of becoming an adult, and moreover, a career-minded individual.

This week, we’ll be shedding some light on these seemingly depressing scenarios, like not getting the job you wanted or being denied from the law school of your dreams. No matter the circumstance, it’s sometimes necessary to deal with rejection before you catch a break in the career world. Perseverance is a must for all young professionals, and we know that with some effort and a positive attitude, everyone can reach their ambitions.

We’d love to hear what you think about this touchy subject. Can you think of a time you’ve been rejected by a college, employer, or other institution? How did you cope?

From a young age, everyone has some idea of what they want to be when they grow up. As we grow older, those initial dreams start to grow into career aspirations that shape your education, internship experience, and eventual life path. Taking an entry-level position is the best way to get your foot in the door, and once you’ve solidified your place in a company, you may start wondering when you’ll move upward.

Getting promoted is one of the biggest honors a company can give an employee, and it’s that sense of value that helps people form fulfilling, lasting careers overall. But while it’s ultimately up to the employer to promote the employee, there’s plenty you can do to boost your chances of moving up. Let’s go through a few tips that’ll help you get promoted:

1.Be visible: When trying to fill an open position, chances are your superior will think of the most visible employees first. It’s always important to make yourself useful at work, and always having a project to do, an e-mail to answer, or a meeting to attend will make you seem accessible.

2.Don’t be afraid to voice your opinions: Whether you’re in a big meeting or a minor brainstorming session, it’s always key to share your ideas. Even if you’re a hard worker, you still won’t make a strong impression unless you share what’s on your mind. Knowing when to speak up is also crucial – never talk just to hear your own voice, and always make sure you have a clear and articulate idea of what you want to say before you open your mouth. You’ll not only seem more prepared, you’ll gain respect as well.

3.Know your place: In any situation, it’s important to respect those around you. But when you’re trying to get promoted, it’s especially important to know where you stand as a member of the company. Respecting your superiors, as well as knowing your boundaries with your peers, can make or break your chances of getting promoted. Always defer to those in higher positions by using their proper names, and keep the office gossip to a minimum. Additionally, it’s important to know when to step aside and let someone else take the lead on a given project. While it may seem impressive to lead every meeting or project, it’s never good to be too domineering.