fastbrother7 0 Report post Posted June 26, 2008 I have two liberal arts bachelors degrees; one in History, and the other in Journalism and Public Communications Broadcasting and Film. I currently work in the Social Services field. I can honestly tell you that besides the documentation and writing, and interpersonal communication within my current field, I dont really use either of my degrees. They more or less look good on a resume, along with my experience, since I worked in my field part time while in college. Your best bet is to pick up a 2 year associates in Computer Networking, or better yet Petroleum Sciences lol I live in Anchorage, AK, and my friends who spent 2-3 years in the Petroleum Sciences program up here make almost twice what I make and I make a pretty good salary. Its obvious big oil is paying lol, because I know I am! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mack 44 Report post Posted June 26, 2008 The oil companies, er at least one, are what moved me back up here. My education lies in molecular bio and math so that's a job where you just fall ass-backward into apparently. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AWE46M3 0 Report post Posted June 26, 2008 I didn't mean to shit in anyone's Cheerios! That's just wrong; I'd hate to have someone nut on my Frosted Flakes... haha I agree that people with technical degrees and business degrees have a decent shot at finding a job before getting out of college or right after, however, where I live in Ca. many people refuse to settle for below average job offers; myself included though that ended up being a non-issue. A lot of universities in my area have job fairs specifically for business and technical majors (i.e. engineering); the employers will not even speak to you unless you are one or the other. My non-business technical major friends are often finding themselves in situations like yours. Though most of the people I know are either business or engineering majors, I'll give you a few examples of people I know who have graduated in the past 2-3 years. One in particular is was a graphic design major, she got a few freelance jobs and work here and there, after two years she's now back in school and working as an executive admin. Another friend was a journalism major, went to a good college, graduated summa cum laude, couldnt find a job within 6 months so she took a job in Istanbul, Turkey... All my friends who got job offers a year or so in advance of their graduation dates were all exceptional students and worked at the company as an intern. They are at Big 4 accounting firms, big tech companies, etc. The value of an internship is really incredible. I've been able interview candidates for lower positions at my work and if they had no college work experience of relevant internships their resumes just get put aside - then shredded, ironically, by an intern... haha Work experience is huge too, even at entry level, a lot of companies want SOMETHING. The job I ended taking wanted 5-7 experience, but because I had interned at this company my references (CFO, 2 Directors, and managers outside my department) were good enough that I was able to get the job and at a better pay rate. However, all the other "entry level" jobs I applies to and got offers from always wanted 2-3 years experience. When you apply for jobs, make sure you do all they ask for when applying and if they give you the option for a cover letter, do it. The value of a good cover letter is also immense. If your cover letter sucks, along with your resume, it will go to that intern who is shredding stuff all day. Anyway, this is long enough. Goodluck with your search! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sitzlejd 0 Report post Posted June 26, 2008 Got my first response today for a phone interview next week. Oddly enough, of all the jobs I've applied for this is one that I'm really not very qualified for.Oh well, at least I know my e-mail address still works. I was starting to wonder...Mack and Hockeysc23: This is definitely one of the most frustrating things I've run into. I have several internships but all these supposed "entry level" jobs want 3 years of actual experience. If I had 3 years of experience, I would hope to get a job and salary above entry level... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fastbrother7 0 Report post Posted June 27, 2008 The oil companies, er at least one, are what moved me back up here. My education lies in molecular bio and math so that's a job where you just fall ass-backward into apparently.Yeah, even the guys I know who arent coporate petro guys that went to college for that specifically are making $60-70K per year on two-week on/offs. If I didnt like what I do now and wasnt trying to go to law school eventually, I'd probly use the good-old-boy system and get up there too lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mack 44 Report post Posted June 27, 2008 Yeah, I couldn't/wouldn't do any of the actual rig work. I did the white collar stuff. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chippa13 1844 Report post Posted June 27, 2008 A couple of ideas for the OP. First, try going the temp employee route. When I first got out of school I headed home and the market in the Boston area wasn't great. Well, I took a 2 week temp assignment that, because I impressed the folks, turned into a keep coming until you hear otherwise assignment. After 4 months there I landed a real job with another company. Then, 10 months later, the company I temped with called me out of the blue with an offer for a better job than what I left them for.Another thought is to apply at places you would like to work in open roles that you can fill but may not be the gig you ultimately want. Then, when a position you really want opens up, you've already got your foot in the door and will have a better chance at landing it than someone off the street.Other ideas: hook up with your school's local alumni association, you can make great contacts and it is a great way to network. For a budding journalist, look in your area for the small weekly papers that most towns have. Sure, there isn't much glamour and low cash, but the idea is to get your writing in print. It can be a springboard to bigger and better things. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eazy_b97 1 Report post Posted June 27, 2008 I recently graduated and am having some trouble finding work as well. I have a part time job giving me full-time hours, but it's not a career. I've had a few interviews for my desired position and a few offers for headhunting firms and sales positions, but nothing in the area I want. I have a degree in English and a post-grad in Human Resources. I am not on a Temp Agency list which will hopefully get me some work soon, as I've heard it is a good route to go. Aside from that I'm talking to as many people as I can, networking as best as I can, and applying everywhere. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
#44wannabe 4 Report post Posted June 27, 2008 Yeah, I couldn't/wouldn't do any of the actual rig work. I did the white collar stuff.My dad used to be out on the Rigs (for Schlumberger i think) doing the 2 on 2 off system, its a great way to travel the world but he too went back to school and mastered in Business having previously had an engineering degree. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chippa13 1844 Report post Posted June 27, 2008 Great, guess I'll have to bite my tongue on my opinion of HR around these parts now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mack 44 Report post Posted June 27, 2008 Yeah, I couldn't/wouldn't do any of the actual rig work. I did the white collar stuff.My dad used to be out on the Rigs (for Schlumberger i think) doing the 2 on 2 off system, its a great way to travel the world but he too went back to school and mastered in Business having previously had an engineering degree.For those that do it, they don't seem to mind it at all. A couple of my brother's friends who'd just graduated are starting out up there and they're making a nice chunk of change for not having gone to college at all. For someone without family I think it'd be all right but that schedule would grate on me having a family. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fastbrother7 0 Report post Posted July 1, 2008 Yeah I have a buddy doing a 6 weeker right now. You have to be cut from a certain mold to work like that lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatwabbit 93 Report post Posted July 1, 2008 anyone want to come over and be a mechanic or truck driver (mining truck)? They are paying about $150k a year for a mechanic here in Western Australia to work 2 weeks on, 1 week off. I know the local rubbish tip is also paying $80k a year for you to drive back and forth over rubbish... just got to get over that smell. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sitzlejd 0 Report post Posted July 4, 2008 UPDATE: I had a 2nd interview yesterday with a company that produces a series of high-end home furnishings catalogs. 3 hours and six individual interviews later, they said they really liked me and now I just have to take a writing test. It's weird, I literally heard nothing from anyone for 4 months. Since I posted about it on MSH I've had three calls for interviews (I haven't gone to the other two yet) and I'm pretty close to having a job. MSH karma???... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trooper 8 Report post Posted July 4, 2008 UPDATE: I had a 2nd interview yesterday with a company that produces a series of high-end home furnishings catalogs. 3 hours and six individual interviews later, they said they really liked me and now I just have to take a writing test. It's weird, I literally heard nothing from anyone for 4 months. Since I posted about it on MSH I've had three calls for interviews (I haven't gone to the other two yet) and I'm pretty close to having a job. MSH karma???...Lots of places only add headcount at certain times of the year. My company does that. So you may hear nothing for a while and then get a bunch of responses. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AWE46M3 0 Report post Posted July 5, 2008 UPDATE: I had a 2nd interview yesterday with a company that produces a series of high-end home furnishings catalogs. 3 hours and six individual interviews later, they said they really liked me and now I just have to take a writing test. It's weird, I literally heard nothing from anyone for 4 months. Since I posted about it on MSH I've had three calls for interviews (I haven't gone to the other two yet) and I'm pretty close to having a job. MSH karma???...That's great man, hope it all works out for you! I'd go to as many interviews as you can, if for nothing else, to get more experience interviewing. Who knows you might get another or better offer in the process... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bdj 0 Report post Posted July 5, 2008 If anybody is looking for jobs and don't mind dipping into the blue collar level for some sick cash, Transport is ALWAYS hiring. Its so easy to get a driving job for any class of vehicle. Before i was on the railroad I drove half tons, 5 tons and even an 18 wheeler(briefly around the city, loved it) it pays VERY well and you really only have to enjoy driving. Plus its easy to quit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sitzlejd 0 Report post Posted July 28, 2008 Update: Got a job and I start tomorrow. Best part is it's less than 2 mins drive to the rink! Thanks for all your advice everyone, it really helped to hear others' experiences.John Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spreedizzle 1 Report post Posted July 28, 2008 Congratulations!!What type of job did you land for yourself? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sitzlejd 0 Report post Posted July 28, 2008 Thanks Spree."Marketing & Communications Specialist" for a national company that leases fleet vehicles to businesses. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spreedizzle 1 Report post Posted July 28, 2008 Which company? My corporation does a lot of fleet work. The store that I manage has 3 International 4300's, 1 International 4400 tandem soft side, and then my company vehicle F150. :)Ferguson Enterprises by the way Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sitzlejd 0 Report post Posted July 29, 2008 Mike Albert Leasing, headquartered here in Cincinnati. I couldn't tell you anything about their clients since I haven't started yet. I'll probably know a lot more tomorrow. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skeeter14 0 Report post Posted July 29, 2008 took me 2 years after college to find a job in my field. I had two degree's, journalism and web design. journalism went out the window when i woke up, saw everyone has an agenda, and saw the daniel pearl vid. as for web design, at least in my area, not too many jobs around here with companies for web design. lots of freelance, but freelance doesn't offer consistent health insurance. Stick with it, something always comes up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UMWhockey 0 Report post Posted July 29, 2008 Graduated 3 years ago and wanted to start my own business doing ice rink consulting and rink installs. I bounced around a little while myself and a couple guys tried to get things going and it never really panned out. Since then I haven't been able to find a 9-5 job and have turned to insurance sales and building my hockey school. It has worked out somewhat, but may be something to fall back on if it is taking a while to find something. There is alwasy an insurance company out there looking to find another agent. It is a tough business, but the successfull ones make very good money and come from every sort of background Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
