by Melinda L.

Created on: January 22, 2008

It is a misconception for one to think getting a college degree will guarantee any type of career. A degree simply gives you a better chance in the job market, because your degree shows that you put more effort in further educating yourself in your specific area of study. But most of the time, people land great, successful jobs through networking with friends, colleagues and other persons who are within the industry they desire. The success of a good job truly involves many different steps:

YOUR DEGREE - So you have a degree in an area of study. That's great. But what about the work experience? How many years of similar experience do you have to qualify with these other candidates who are also applying for the job? Yes, going to Harvard studying in law is beneficial and a great experience, but how will that differentiate yourself to others who also went there as well. Holding the degree is a stepping stone to the competition to those who do not have the degree, but that is just step one.

WORK EXPERIENCE - If you have experience working at a grocery store or as a sales person in a retail store, it is appropriate to assume that you have experience working with customers and people. If you were applying for a Sales Coordinator position, your previous job experience would definitely help you stand out. Having some work experience beforehand can give you the upper-hand, since you would know how to communicate directly to a customer when trying to make a sale.

KNOWING PEOPLE - Building a network of friends and peers can be fun, but it will also help you open doors to many other opportunities in the job force. Sometimes, personal references or word-of-mouth can get you into job fields you would have never thought of before. For example, if you knew a friend who knew someone in an industry who is a food manufacturer and you were looking for a R&D asssistant position, he or she can reference you to that person and an instant opportunity is created.

A college education is helpful to understand the basic functionality and concepts of a company or institution, but to be able to work in an actual work force within that company, many things like experience and knowing people will provide you the leverage you need to get that job you want.

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