How to Maximize Opportunity after Graduation

From the moment you begin your journey in a master’s degree program, to the day of graduation, you’re probably thinking about life after school. Job searching can take weeks or even months. The earlier you begin to prepare for your applications and interviews, the better.

Some graduate students are already set in their career and are pursuing an advanced degree to learn more skills —  these students may not find the thought of graduation as intimidating. For those who don’t have an offer of employment lined up, strategizing for your job search prior to graduation can ease the worry. While this can be a daunting thought, there are things you can do to make the transition from student to employee a smooth one.  

When is the best time to start job searching?

Almost everyone who has a job knows what it’s like to be on the hunt for employment. Finding the right job can be hard — now mix in the fact that you’re a graduate student, and it just got even more complicated. The question of when to start job searching is a loaded one with many answers. In general, giving yourself two or three months to secure a role is a good time frame. 

There are some exceptions when it might be more strategic to begin applying four to six months ahead of when you’re able to start. These exceptions include the following:

• Graduating from university: If you’re currently in graduate school, it is completely normal to begin applying and interviewing four to six months out to ensure something is lined up for after graduation. Some companies have a long interview process that could last a few months — starting the process while you’re still in school can help eliminate a gap of unemployment after you get your diploma. 

• Relocating: Whether you’re moving because you’re about to complete your graduate degree or just want a change of scenery, don’t leave job hunting to the last second. If you know you’re going to relocate, finding a role in advance can help with the transition. When interviewing, you can let the hiring manager know you’re relocating and provide them with a specific date of when you’re available to begin. 

• Changing careers: When making a career change, it’s important that you give yourself enough time to search for positions that you’re interested in and qualified for. You may go through a series of interviews before you know what type of role you’ll be considered for. Applying and interviewing earlier also gives you time to develop and practice new skills. 

How to maximize opportunity after graduation 

Graduate degree programs are meant to advance your career through learning and developing advanced skills. To help land a full-time position right after graduation, there are a few different things you can do while you’re still a student: 

1) Take advantage of campus resources

Many people think the resources offered on-campus are only for undergraduate students — believe it or not, graduate students have just as much access to these services. Graduate student advisors, career fairs, career services, and workshops are all resources you should be familiar with when trying to maximize success after graduate school. 

Utilizing resources such as career services is an excellent way to talk to someone experienced about your resume and cover letter. Career counselors can look the documents over and teach you how to enhance your resume and make it stand out. These professionals can also give you interview tips, help you discover jobs you might not be aware of, and connect you with others in your field. 

Always be on the lookout for announcements from career services regarding career fairs, workshops, and events. Some workshops from career development services at NJIT may include mock interviews, resume building, how to dress for success, and Q&As with employers.   

2) Network with students and faculty

Developing a strong professional network is one of the most effective ways to boost your educational experience and maximize success after graduate school. During your time as a student, take advantage of every networking opportunity that comes your way. 

Add your classmates and professors on LinkedIn to stay in touch and connected with them. After all, everyone in your program is most likely interested in the same field as you. You never know who you’ll meet and what impact they can have on your career. 

3) Choose courses wisely 

Regardless of whether you’re earning your master’s degree online or in person, it’s crucial that you choose your courses carefully and wisely. While most graduate degree programs have some required courses, there is typically room for you to choose electives, or choose which core courses you want to take. When deciding which ones to fill your schedule with consider the following:

• Is the class online or in-person?

• Are you interested in the topic?

• Will this course teach you relevant skills?

• Are you taking this class just to get an “easy A”?

There is nothing wrong with picking courses that you think will be fun, just be sure to also take classes that will teach you the foundational skills needed to succeed in your field. Don’t be afraid to take a class that sounds challenging either — challenging yourself may help you understand concepts by requiring that you dive deep into the topic. 

You ultimately want to leave graduate school feeling prepared for your full-time job and confident in your skills. Talk to your advisor or program director if you’re struggling to choose your classes. Your courses are your chance to test out what area of the field you enjoy, and develop the proper skills for employment.  

4) Find an internship that is relevant to your studies

Get the most out of being in graduate school by finding an internship or job that will allow you to put your new skills to use. Participating in internships, graduate assistantships, or even part-time work gives you the opportunity to apply the skills, knowledge, and concepts you’re learning in the classroom to the real world. This may help you feel more comfortable with what you're studying, and give you that extra boost in self-trust needed to apply for full-time jobs.

Aside from using internships as career development, they also provide students with excellent networking opportunities. You’ll be introduced to experts in your field who may be able to either offer you a job upon graduation, or connect you with someone who has open positions. In fact, 70% of companies offer their interns a full-time job. Many employers identify internships as an influence on which candidate they hire. 

Talk to your professors, program directors, or career counselors about finding an internship. Some internships may offer compensation in the form of college credit, pay, or a stipend. If your university offers graduate assistantships, tuition remission may be available as well.   

5) Get involved with a research project

Learning doesn’t have to stop with the curriculum set by your professors. Consider getting started on a research project to improve your technical skills and acquire a deeper understanding of concepts that you’re interested in. Find out whether your university offers independent research courses, research assistant positions, or talk to your professors about assisting in their research. 

Research projects help you define your academic and career goals by expanding your knowledge further than what can be taught in the classroom. You’ll be responsible for the time and effort it takes to develop a research question, create a hypothesis, test the theory, and put together a report of your findings. 

6) Find a mentor

Building positive relationships with professors isn’t just for networking purposes — finding a mentor can greatly impact your time in graduate school. Having a mentor such as a trusted professor, graduate assistant supervisor, or program director can help you in many professional and personal ways. You can discuss research topics, career interests, ask for advice regarding career paths, and know you have someone to talk to if you’re struggling with academics.

Don’t be afraid to go to your professor’s office hours or set up an appointment to talk to your program director. Professors may admire that you’re taking an interest in how they got to where they are. You’ll also benefit from hearing what steps they took in their professional career to advance.   

7) Create goals 

The thought of beginning or finishing graduate school can feel very overwhelming. It can be easy to lose focus and get distracted by the bumps in the road that may come along the way. Instead of getting thrown off by these set-backs, use them as fuel to achieve your goals. When you have clear goals in mind, you’re more likely to stay on track regardless of difficulties. 

Goals help you focus on the big picture, and give you something to work toward. From the very start of graduate school, think of why you’ve decided to pursue an advanced degree and what you want to accomplish. 

Find success after graduate school with NJIT

Graduate school is a time for you to truly hone in on your skills and improve your chances of landing a full-time job. Having a deeper understanding of the concepts in your field increases your expertise, making you more desirable to employers. 

To get the most out of your time in graduate school, take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. From networking and filling your schedule with valuable courses, to finding a mentor and utilizing campus resources, graduate school is there to help you succeed. 

Earn your master’s degree online and still have all the benefits that graduate school has to offer at NJIT. Apply for a graduate studies program and get a jump start on your career.