Class of 2020: When Life Hands You Lemons

I recently came across a meme on how different generations might respond to the proverbial when life gives you lemons..., with boomers making lemonade, Gen Xers creating start-ups, and millennials questioning that someone would actually just hand you lemons. In the comments section, one adroit Gen Z said to forget lemons, we're making orange juice! That sums up just how I think you post-millennials are going to face the career challenges that COVID-19 is bringing your way--by thinking outside the box and taking action. I want to support you by providing some relevant data and strategies for successfully navigating your first economic crisis.

Hiring Trends for College Students

Almost 60% of responding employers indicate they are not revoking any job or internship offers.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has been conducting an ongoing poll of college employment trends, representing the top employers that hire new college graduates. Almost 60% responded that they are not revoking any job or internship offers, but 22% are considering it while 15% report revoking internship offers. The situation is still evolving and these plans could change, but the commitment to these offers is encouraging.

Summer interns will likely see the greatest changes, with many employers reporting delayed start dates, reduced terms, and possible shifts to virtual experiences. Less than one-quarter of respondents reported no changes to their internship programs and 19% have reduced their number of interns. Overall, this is also good news.

Now for the not-so-good news. Research shows that college graduates entering the workforce during a recession will likely experience long-term negative effects on their income, lifestyle, and wellness. We don't know yet if this economic downturn will turn into a recession, but many of the ingredients are there. In addition, service sector jobs have been especially hard hit, which provide a lot of jobs for new college graduates. I can't sugar-coat any of this but I can suggest some next steps that may help you be the exception to this.

Five Proven Ways to Move Forward

There is no doubt this is a tough economy to graduate into, but previous recessions offer proven strategies to navigate the uncertainty and dire predictions. Here are five things you can do now.

#1) Add a Backup Plan. In times of uncertainty those with a well-developed plan usually come out ahead. It's hard to adapt what you don't have.

• Review your career plan thoroughly. If you have accepted an offer, confirm it and ask what you can do to help now. Could you start early? Are there short term projects you could be helping with now? These could result in your job being retained even if some offers are revoked.

• Identify a Plan B, in case your current plan is impacted. Consider local options, which could be more practical, in case restrictions remain in place.

• Explore alternate career options related to your goals. There are usually multiple paths in career journeys.

• Consider additional training or graduate school only if it complements your career path and if it doesn't significantly add debt (there are ways to do this--but that's another article).

• Other stop-out strategies include internships, volunteer work, temporary or contract employment, or job shadowing.

• I recommend this classic, What Color is Your Parachute 2020, for some of the best approaches to developing or refining your plan (check your library's e-books for availability of this or previous editions).

#2) Engage Your Network. It is estimated that 80% of jobs are never advertised and networking is how most jobs are accessed.

• The great news is you already have a network! Gen Z is easily the most connected and social media savvy generation in history. Now it's time to take those skills and activate the network to support your professional goals.

• Create or update your LinkedIn profile and add connections from schools, other social media platforms, current/former employers, church, and clubs.

• DM your targeted contacts (across all platforms) and request a chat via email or phone. Update them on your plans/status and ask for their advice as well as introductions to others who could be helpful. Be prepared to reciprocate the favor as well.

• One of my favorite books on network-based job search is The 2-Hour Job Search (2HJS), which has just been updated.

#3) Follow Economic and Business Trends Closely. A few weeks ago I started seeing articles about the need for COVID-19 "contact tracers" and immediately thought about potential opportunities for new college graduates, who usually have strong research and communication skills. Finding these types of leads can make a big difference in your search.

• Start following economic and business news closely to keep you informed about about demand and expanding industries.

• Local business reporting can tell you about new business openings or expansions (yes, even during a pandemic) in the area.

• Your network or willingness to make direct contacts (see 2HJS techniques in #2) can help you get a head start on any of these opportunities before they're even listed.

• Good economic news sources include the Bureau of Labor Standards (the monthly jobs report), The Wall Street Journal, target employer social media pages and websites, local newspapers, and business journals.

#4) Capitalize on Your College Status. You may feel at a disadvantage in the job market because you are young, less experienced, and just starting out, but most of us want to help you just because of this. We've all been where you are. Go with it and recognize it as an asset. You also have valuable, free resources to tap into through your university:

• Most college career centers have online career advising; virtual workshops, job fairs and employer interviews/meetups; job postings; and also maintain close connections with employers. Most importantly, they know the latest employment trends for college students. Use this free resource!

• Most campuses maintain an online alumni network that you can tap into (see #2 for effective networking techniques).

• Contact your faculty, who often have connections with selected employers, particularly those related to your major.

• These resources are typically underutilized by most students. Comparable services in the private sector are expensive and aren't nearly as comprehensive.

#5) Take Action and Be Persistent. Finding a job is a job and it does require significant time and attention. It may be tempting to sit back and wait, but action is essential.

• Follow up on your leads and stay in touch with recruiters, even if they've turned you down previously. In these uncertain times, things can change quickly.

• Maintain your networks and help your contacts with leads.

• Reach out to smaller, start-up, and non-traditional employers, who represent 98% of businesses and are often better able to change direction and act quickly as things open up again. Because they're leaner, it's also easier to access the individual with the power to hire.

I'm offering free career consultation during this period, based upon availability.

There is no doubt that COVID-19 has handed you some bad lemons, but I know you can make some great orange juice from them. I'd like to offer some additional help, if you're interested. I'm offering one free career consultation remotely via Zoom or Skype. I have over 25 years of career development, consulting, and human resources experience at major universities, F500 corporations and the federal government to share. Just email to set up a time (preferably M-F, 9am-5pm EDT) and let me know your preferred videoconferencing platform. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation. Stay safe and good hunting!