MINNEAPOLIS — Graduation season is over, which means a new wave of workers is entering the workforce. The class of 2024 faces a tough job market. University of Minnesota students who already have bachelor’s degrees, and those working toward them, are worried about their future job prospects.
“It’s so hard to find a job after graduation these days because the job market is so much worse,” said Grace Ann Goodale, a sophomore at the University of Minnesota.
Employers’ forecasts for the 2024 class are down 5.8% from last year, according to a survey by the National Association of College Employers.
“AI is here. You’re not just competing with people in your city. Because of remote work environments, you’re competing with people from all over the world or from all over the country,” said Maha Abouelenein, CEO of Digital and Savvy, a strategic communications expert and entrepreneur.
According to Abouelenein, building a personal brand is an important way to go from job seeker to wanted.
“Your personal brand is made up of three things: your skills, your experience, and your personality,” Abouelenein says.
As a job seeker, you need to communicate who you are and what you do by telling a story on your resume.
“You have to be good at storytelling. What story do you want them to know about you? The best thing you can do is talk about the things you do outside of school or work, which gives you the extra skills they’re looking for,” Abouelenein explains.
For graduates, additional skills can be helpful when seeking employment outside of their major.
“You can get skills from any industry. Try to find the best way to get the skills because employers today don’t just hire based on degrees, they hire based on your skills,” Abouelenein said.
To stand out to employers, many students choose to start networking early.
“Mostly through experience, internships and building connections with people,” said Kate Robinson, a sophomore at the University of Minnesota.
“I participated in a mentorship program last year, so I met a lot of people who are in the workforce. It’s really important to make those connections,” said Jacob Polacec, a junior at the University of Minnesota.
While it is important to know yourself and make connections, it is also crucial to know your potential employer.
“What’s the latest information about them in the news? Check out their social media profiles to see what they’ve been posting about. Do your homework. It’s the number one thing people forget to do and it’s the most important,” Abouelenein said.
Networking has changed dramatically in recent years. It’s not just about events, it’s online. Abouelenein said that when you use the DM function on LinkedIn, be specific about why you’re reaching out and what you can offer the connection. Then try to move the conversation to email so you can set up a proper in-person meeting.
Abouelenein has more tips on her Savvy Talk podcast. Her first book, “7 Rules of Self-Reliance: How to Stay Low, Keep Moving, Invest in Yourself and Own Your Future,” is coming out in October.
