<p>Hi, I'm about to graduate from a top 10 school with a >3.5 GPA but I haven't been able to find a job despite having significant leadership experience. I've applied to many many jobs but have had no luck. I anticipate this will continue for several more months, and I want to prepare myself mentally. What can I do? Should I prolong college and take more classes? I mean, honestly, I would love to take this chance to do something different. I'd go abroad except I don't have the money. I can do volunteering. I'm ready to apply to grad school in the fall, so I can do that (I'd actually intended to do so all through college so this isn't something I'm doing just to avoid the economy). Are there others who go to an elite school or know of people in one who are also graduating jobless? It would help to know I'm not alone.</p>
<p>There’s so many articles out there about kids graduating from top schools, jobless, you are definitely not alone. The sad fact is that the best way to get a job now is through connections. Friends, family, schoolmates, getting recommendations and having people that will walk you through that door seems to be what it takes to get employment nowadays. Good luck.</p>
<p>What is your major? Did you go to seek out the resources of your career center and/or alumni of your college? I suggest that you look at your local community college for an additional, employable certificate program and volunteer for work experience while you wait for a great, paid job. Also, network as much as possible.</p>
<p>Are you utilizing the resources of your alum network? THat’s one of the best things about going to an elite college. You say you have leadership expereinces, but have you done internships? </p>
<p>Probably the best thing to do is to go to the career center and find out how to get in touch with alums in the field you want to work in. Call them or email them and ask to set up informational interviews to learn more about the field. These are meetings where you just ask them questions like "how did you get started, what do you like best/least about what you do, what advice would you have for a new grad getting started, what kind of career development to do people pursue in this field (advance degrees, working abroad), etc etc etc. You don’t ask for a job and they don’t offer it, but a lot of times people don’t think of doing informational interviews and then they are applying to jobs without even knowing what the actual gateways are for entry into that career or firm. </p>
<p>Once you’ve done your informational interviews, you should try to get an itnernship for the summer using an alum connection or a connection at your interview. It’s a bit late to be looking, but some places might still take you. Or else work during the summer and save up so you can intern in the fall. That way you can build up connections and a network of people. While you’re interning you can still be looking/applying for jobs and you’ll have some experience on your resume. </p>
<p>Job hunting is not like applying for college. Your leadership experiences will matter much less than your actual work experience, especially for someone with a less than perfect (but still good) GPA.</p>