Myths for Experienced Graduates

Myth: "I want to change my career, but I’ll have to go back to school."

Reality: The tireless years you’ve spent in the professional world are not for nothing!  Employers value candidates with diverse experience and skills which can only be found in the “real world.”  As a seasoned pro you come with refined communication skills and professional tact.  Believe it or not these skills are rare and highly sought after! 

Resource:  Take out your resume and pretend you are the hiring manager at your new career.  Circle the positions you’ve had and things you’ve done which are relevant to your new career. These items represent the skills which you can transfer to your new job. Be sure to emphasize accomplishments.  Cut or keep irrelevant items to a minimum and expand on relevant items.  At the end of this exercise you’ll probably find you’re more qualified for a new career than you thought!      

Myth:  "My resume is turning into a novel, but I’ve done so much!  I shouldn’t leave anything out."

Reality: It’s right to want to show that you are experienced on your resume.  However, if your resume is longer than two pages you’re probably limiting your chances of getting a job because you’re not being specific enough.  Keep your resume items relevant to the position you seek.  This keeps the length of your resume to a focused minimum and greatly increases your chances of impressing recruiters. 

Resource: For a quick review on resume writing, log on to ZebraNet and look for our Resume Packet under "Resource Library".

Myth: "Help! I’m stuck in this cubicle forever!"

Reality:  Don’t think you’re doomed to cubicle obscurity forever! (Apologies to happy cube dwellers.)  Studies show that the average person will change jobs at least 8 times throughout his / her career and will have anywhere from 3-5 different careers.  In light of these figures it seems that change is inevitable quite common!

Resource: For a great article on changing careers click here.

Myth: "I’ve got my job, house, dog, and maybe even 2.5 kids. It’s time to kick back!"

Reality: Hold on a second arm chair warrior!  The professional world is one that changes constantly and with increasing speed as technology changes.  New markets, technologies, policies, and an expanding global approach to almost everything means new jobs are on every horizon. 

Resource: Take some time periodically to stay on top of career trends by attending conferences and networking events in your field.  Take advantage of continuing education programs to stay at the top of your “game.”  Having an up to date sense of what’s going on will make it easier for you if and when things do change.

Myth: "I have so many skills I am not using at my present job.  I should have chosen a different path." 

Reality: Few people can say that they use all their talents at work.  In reality, having a skill set which you can exercise outside of your profession is healthy and common.  If you feel you must apply your talents in the workplace and are unable to do so in your current job you should continue to nurture those things which you are good at outside of work.  By doing this you’ll satisfy your need to exercise your skills and at the same time you’ll be paving your way to a possible career change. 

Resource: If you feel you could enhance the work you do with untapped talents you should ask to use them!  Formulate a cohesive proposal and request a meeting with your supervisor.  Prepare to talk about what you can bring to your work and how you plan on doing it.  Ask for his/her feedback on whether or not carrying out your ideas is a possibility.

Myth: "It’s too late to change my career."

Reality: It’s never too late to pursue a happier life. You may have noticed above that the average person changes careers several times throughout his/her life!  This means that you’re not alone and that there are plenty of resources along the way to help you!

Resource: Check out this article list for great advice on how to change careers.