As a retired ex-boss of a 40-person creative in-house agency, I can remember very well what my attitude was about job applicants who listed a college degree on their resumes. My first remark, unintentionally snide, was, "OK, you have a degree. Two questions. What was your major? What can you do right now to fit in with my division?"

The people in my advertising and public relations division all had college degrees or equivalent work experience to do their jobs. Coming out of college without work experience is a problem for any first-time job applicant, but showing the wrong degree can kill any prospect of entry-level employment in a professional job.

For instance, my employees needed to show more than diplomas. They had to show skills in public relations, advertising copywriting, video production and/or graphic design. Further, they had to prove they had those skills by showing me professional-level samples of their work. Of course, the recent graduate with a degree in Medieval English, and with no work samples, never got as far as an interview.

However, the recent college graduate with a degree in advertising, with samples of well-designed and appropriate student work, was invited in for an interview. Fortunately for qualified applicants, we usually had one or two entry-level jobs, and filled them with recent graduates who showed the most promise.

So, while you're waking up, college students who are working on a degree and expect to complete in the job market, here is my advice in two parts. I know my Medieval English prof would run me through with his lance if he knew I said this, but make your major a practical one specifically in the job area where you'll seek to start your career. If you really like Chaucer and Marlowe, you can minor in the work of those guys.

Secondly, start now, whether you're a freshman or higher, to put together a portfolio, including samples of your best work. If you are still several years away from graduation, keep upgrading the samples as your skills and experiences grow.

If you work hard preparing for your working life, it will pay off when you show up for that first job interview well prepared.

Learn more about this author, Ted Sherman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about College students, wake up: You need more than a degree to get the job?
We want to hear your view. Write now!