The degree you didn’t get

We’ll get to that in a second.
First, let’s start with the degree you have—or will soon. The one you flexed your left brain for, busted your butt for, pulled all-nighters for, missed The Bachelor and GoT premieres for, and skipped your BFF’s 21st birthday for. That degree is worth every penny, sleepless night, and mind-numbing lecture, because without it, many of the doors to a fulfilling career would never open at all.

Now for an entirely new education.
The degree you didn’t get is the one that teaches you how to figure out the best career path, network, optimize a resume, keep networking, nail the interview, and network some more. That degree doesn’t exist. Getting a job is a job in itself, one not enough colleges adequately prepare their students for.

“Only a third of students believe they will graduate with the skills and knowledge to be successful in the job market (34%) and in the workplace (36%). 

-Strada-Gallup 2017 College Student Survey

“Almost 90% of seniors believe they proficient in professionalism and work ethic, only about 43 percent of the employers agree.”

-National Association of Colleges and Employers 2018 Job Outlook Survey

It isn’t all bad, though.
If a college education is your invitation to the party, a job search education is your lock on a seat at the interview table, helping to ensure potential employers see you as an exceptional candidate. Like your college education, it will require hard work, structure and discipline, and it, too, will come with highs and lows. The good news? You don’t have to go it alone. Finding a mentor isn’t just recommended, but essential. It can be the difference between an entry-level job you enjoy, and one you don’t have at all.

“Much more work is required to ensure that students graduate with the confidence, skills and resources needed to enter the workforce.”

-Bill Okun, President of Higher Education, McGraw-Hill

“The importance of mentors cannot be overstated. Based on their years of experience, advising and reflecting on interpersonal skills are part and parcel of a good mentor’s repertoire in helping young employees succeed in the workplace.”

-Nicholas Wyman, Forbes Magazine Careers
Contributor

“Every great achiever is inspired by a great mentor.”

-Laila Gifty Akita

“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.”

-Oprah Winfrey

Raising the Bar can help.

Founder Sandy Golinkin will spark your confidence, offer you advice, help you make a game plan, and be there to guide you every step of the way beyond through one-on-one counseling. Not sure where to begin? Sandy’s online classes are the perfect kickstart. They cover many topics, from resume development to interviewing skills, cover letters and follow-up tips.

In other words, the career education you didn’t get.