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Reader-Submitted Question of the Day – Day 5
By JLP | May 5, 2008
What’s your advice for this soon-to-be college graduate:
JLP love your blog and am a long time follower.
I am a business/communications major looking to go into sales directly after college. I have narrowed down my field of work to a specific industry (medical) and it is nearly impossible getting in directly after college. I have been networking and writing papers pertaining to this field in all of my classes that have given me what I need to potentially break in. I am in a bind though. I have traveled previously and certainly want to take a trip before I begin working but do not know how to negotiate terms with the employer if I have any say whatsoever. I want to ask you and the readers their advice on placing themselves in my situation and advise me on what to do. Do I go on a 2-3 month trip, go right into working in a field that I have been trying to gain access for last 6months, or take a mini vacation before starting 2-3weeks (If so how do I let my employer know)
Thanks and keep up the great work.
College soon to be Graduate
My advice:
I think you have to decide if you want a job or if you want to travel and then get a job. It’s not fair to an employer to put them on hold so that you can travel first and then start your job and I think asking for such a thing would come across as immature. Most likely your new employer will give you vacation time and you can travel during that time or you can start employment and begin saving for your dream vacation.
Don’t get me wrong: I see nothing wrong with traveling. But, you need to decide on your plans BEFORE you start passing out resumes.
Those are my thoughts. Now what about AFM readers?
Topics: Question of the Day | 9 Comments »
May 5th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Most employers ask what your potential start date is, or some people put on their resume.. “Available from ../../08″ or similar. Putting 2 months after graduation will look fishy, but a week or so won’t hurt your chances any.
May 5th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I agree with Katherine. I will be starting at a financial services firm in June and, when I was interviewing, told them that I already had a trip planned in the second half of the month. All that really matters in this situation is full disclosure.
May 5th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Am also about to be a college graduate…
Honestly, if I was in your position, I would go travel! I love to travel and think any chance should be taken. Agree with JLP, need to make a decision on what you want to do. I vote for seeing the world & then pursuing your career.
However, I in a different situation – I just cannot seem to find a job in the field I want (investment industry). And it’s too late to apply to grad school to continue my education, as I haven’t even taken my GMAT yet (but plan on doing so this summer)… Best of luck to you in your search!!
May 5th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I spent a month in Ecuador after graduation, not bothering to look for jobs until I got back. Everyone I know that jumped right into the job pool wished they’d taken some time. Keep in mind you will be a minion and may not even accrue enough leave for vacation for several months if not a whole year from when you start.
If you do get a job offer, however, mention that you’ve had a 2-3 week trip planned for several months, to celebrate graduation. Most employers understand that. Don’t be afraid to mention it during negotiations.
May 5th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Definitely don’t postpone your job search, especially given the level of effort you’ve put in. But most employers will be flexible regarding your start date (especially as you’re going into sales).
If you get an offer soon, wait until they suggest a start date (it might be later than you anticipate) and then ask them how flexible the date is; tell them you had been planning some travel between graduation and starting your job.
If you don’t have a job offer soon, go ahead and plan a trip; then if you get an offer you can tell them straight up “I’ve had this trip planned for months; is it going to be a problem if I push back the start date?”
[Either way, wait until you have an offer before brining this up!!]
Many of my friends let employers know they had trips planned and asked if they could start later in the summer after graduation. Even in my position (3 of us were hired into a training program at a bank with a definitive start date) one guy started a month late because he’d been in Europe. No one really cared; everyone thought it was great he did that.
May 5th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
hmm…I disagree with most comments…but then again i am coming from the position of hiring someone. You should not bother me with interviewing you if you are not available. It’s a waste of my time. Especially as there are many others out there waiting/looking for a job. Just my 2 cents.
May 5th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Go travel. Take 2-3 months. Look for work when you get back. Someone told me to take time off and I ignored him. You won’t believe it now, but once you start working you’ll never have the same opportunity again. You will have 2 weeks per year if you’re lucky. I promise you won’t look back on your life and say to yourself “I wish I had started work three months earlier instead of going to Europe.”
May 5th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
I’ve been the employee and the hiring manager. My advice is to play it by ear.
Most employers understand that recent graduates may have plans for a trip and will permit a later starting date. If you get an offer from such an employer, then take your trip and enjoy every minute. After that your new employer will own all but a few weeks of your time each year anyway. If you get an offer from an employer that needs you to starter sooner, then you’ll have to choose between a shorter trip (or no trip at all) and the job offer. That’s life. Welcome aboard.
(Obviously you’ll get no sympathy from TM so I wouldn’t send a resume in that direction!)
May 6th, 2008 at 11:46 am
We hire people all the time who can’t start the next day for one reason or another (visas, notice elsewhere, travel/personal plans, relocation, etc). It’s not exactly unusual for entry level people especially. I agree with those above who say full disclosure is key. But be aware they may pressure you to change your plans.