WHAT TO DO UNTIL YOU FIND THE "PERFECT" JOB
By Carol Stanton, CGS Career Counselor

Are you having a hard time finding a job? With the economy still cool and companies not hiring like they were before, your job search may take a little longer than it did in the 90s.  But don't despair, there are many things you can do to upgrade your skills and knowledge while you look for that "perfecT" job in your field.  The following are some ideas to consider:

Internships or Part-Time Jobs  - To gain more experience in your field of work, it is sometimes possible to do another internship, even after you've graduated. You need to check with the employer, of course, but some places are happy to use your skills and may not care that you are not doing it for credit. Check the online resources available on PantherTRACS, the Career Services web site at www.careers.pitt.edu for a list of places to do an internship. Or be creative and just call a place where you would like to work and ask if you can do an internship there. Remember, it's a great way to get experience, and a way to make valuable networking contacts in your professional field.

Temp Work - In the past, temporary work was confined to people with office skills. But today there are many kinds of temp agencies and some that may specialize in your field, such as legal studies, accounting, or social services.  If you want to work here at the University of Pittsburgh, a great way to get your foot in the door is through All Temps at the Human Resources office.  Often, organizations will hire people who have been temp workers, since they’re gotten to know them and the quality of their work. 

Volunteer Work - Another way to gain valuable experience in your field is through volunteer work. This is also more convenient if you have a full-time job already and can only spare a few extra hours.  You can find out about places to volunteer through the Volunteer Student Outreach (www.svo.pitt.edu ) here at the University of Pittsburgh or at Pittsburgh Cares (www.pittsburghcares.org ).

Graduate School - It's usually preferable to get some experience in your field before you apply to graduate school, but if you're sure about what you want to do and have been thinking about going, this might be a good time to do it. You can do some initial exploring on www.petersons.com or www.gradschool.com . The complete Petersons Guide can be found in the Career Resource room at the main Career Services office on the 2nd floor of the WPU. Also, it's a good idea to talk to some of your professors, professionals in your field, or a career counselor before you make this decision. But remember: don't go to graduate school just because you can't find a job. 

Americorps*VISTA - This is national service program that places people in disadvantaged communities in the U.S. to help residents become more self-sufficient. It is somewhat like an internship but you will be paid a small amount and have work experiences which will be valuable additions to your career. Some of the areas you may work in are community development, homelessness, public safety and health. You can contact them at 1-800-833-3722 or www.americorps.org .  Teach For America is an Americorps program in which you make a two year commitment to teach in an under-resourced urban or rural school in the U.S. These are paid positions.

Peace Corps  - Through working in the Peace Corps, you can experience life in various parts of the world and use your knowledge and skills to help people in an undeveloped country. There are a host of opportunities in education, health, business, and agriculture in many different countries from Peru to Ghana. Contact the Peace Corps office at 412 648-7424 or during the summer months at 800 424-8580.  Or view their informative web site at www.peacecorps.gov .

Internship or Work Overseas - Gain experience while you travel and participate in the richness and diversity of other cultures.  Teaching English in a foreign country has always been a good option. Overseas Jobs at www.overseasjobs.com is one of many  international job search websites which you can obtain through your career counselor. 

Take Classes or Certificate Programs - While you search for a job, you can add to your list of skills by enrolling in a class in CGS as a post baccalaureate student, or in a certificate program, such as Information Systems or Accounting. Colleges and universities are offering more certificate programs and this is a great way to add to the skills you have to offer employers. Check the web sites of the University of Pittsburgh and other colleges to see what is available. 

Freelancing/Consulting - Do you have the entrepreneurial spirit? Do you have a skill that you could market such as bookkeeping, newsletter writing, programming? Contact businesses that might have a need for your skill and free lance part time. Do you have good ideas and good writing skills? See the current issue of the Writer's Market at the Carnegie Library or a bookstore for ideas on how to make money as a freelance writer.

Start a Small Business   - Do you have a service you could provide? It could be anything from desk top publishing, dog walking, to catering. Put an ad in the paper, get some business cards printed, and start to promote your part-time business. You can also obtain information from the Small Business Association (www.sba.gov ).   Who knows, your business may take off, and then you won't have to look for a job!

Whether it's following up on one of these ideas or taking time to build your professional network, this can be a creative and exciting time. Having other options gives you the opportunity to do a thorough job search and hold out for that "perfect" job of your dreams.