Career and Alumni Success advisor offers advice to graduating students
Written by Elise Mullen, Images sourced from Career and Alumni Success
In any normal year, figuring out your post-graduation plan is enough to drive everyone a little bit mad. Now, with COVID-19 restrictions and adjustments, the anxieties around those decisions are heightened. Career and Alumni Success advisor, Carlos Colón offers advice to graduating students who may be concerned with life after graduation.
“It’s a valid concern and I think it’s good to normalize that, however, I grew up and I still believe in the idea that if we don’t ask we don’t get what we want. It is better to not assume that people are not looking, make the approach and allow them to let us know if they’re interested in this time or later or whatever the case,” said Colón, “I wouldn’t change any of the strategies you’ve been taught because we’re in a pandemic. Move forward as if we are not, but, be sensitive to the fact that we are in a pandemic and that things may take longer or you may get a higher non-response rate than normal because of the current conditions.”
With time moving there is a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel. “There is an environment of hope and optimism right now.” We don’t know what employers are looking for right now, whether they are looking for an immediate hire or something in the future. The important thing to remember is that they are looking and to keep applying,” said Colón.
Colón explained that there are two aspects that are often overlooked when talking about strategies to know when applying for a job. “The first aspect is that it is a relational process, who you know affects the opportunities you have available. Having referrals and key relationships is what is going to move our career forward. LinkedIn tells us that 80% of jobs or opportunities are filled through referrals,” said Colón.
The second aspect is to acknowledge the creative path that is job applications. At SCAD, you pick a track within your major and sometimes assume that that is the path you have to stick to. For example, I am a photography major with a concentration in documentary. Just because that is the academic path I chose, however, does not mean I have to, or should, stick to that structure throughout my professional career. “It is just as creative a process as whatever you do in your studio or what your practice is. If you accept that idea then you realize that there are going to be false starts, sketches, there’s going to be extra photos that get edited out and there will be times when you have to start over,” said Colón.
The biggest piece of advice for SCAD graduates: don’t forget about your Career and Alumni Success advisors.“You don’t lose access to us once you graduate, you lose your email but you don’t lose MySCAD. You retain access to the SCAD job portal so you can take advantage of workshops and employers presentations. You have access to us and can continue to meet with us whether it be right after graduation, or 5 years after,” said Colón.
Continue to apply for jobs, accept that things may take time and be different moving forward and reach out to your advisors when you need help, advice or someone to talk to. Most importantly, keep your head up and continue to trust the process.
