Back to School?

I finished college recently and I can not find a job. My degree is in Non-Profit Childcare Administration. I have three years experience working with people with disabilities but the jobs I am applying for will not hire me due to the lack of management experience. Should I go back to school?

People do not generally return to school to avoid a challenging situation. The best reason to return to school is when you are clear about a direction (and have done much research about the reality of that role) and need additional credentials to meet that goal.

The workplace does want people who have proven themselves capable of the role of manager. Just having an education in that area is usually not enough.

The best way to gain experience, of course, is to work. It is unrealistic to assume that you can start at the top. There are "dues" to pay - my best advice would be to target agencies that you have the most interest in and believe you can make the greatest contribution to, understand what your transferable skills are that can be used by these organizations and begin to work - and climb up the ladder. Learn how agencies work, apply that knowledge to gain experience and then move up and through organizations to get the position you want! You have to prove yourself to the workplace first. Then, if it seems appropriate, consider additional education, not before! So, get started and good luck!

Entry Level Employment with an MBA?

I received my MBA with a concentration in finance in the summer of 2007. Since then, I have been searching for a new position to take advantage of the degree and to fulfill a desire to have more challenging work opportunities. It has been very difficult to say the least.

My current position is as administrative support at a private university. My work history is not extensive, but I am more than capable of managing a position of "higher authority" and responsibility. I am not sure how to get my resume to those who would have a serious interest in providing me with what I am looking for. What advice can you give me to spearhead a more assertive approach to job-hunting?

Congratulations on obtaining your MBA! And yes, in this job market, you must be more assertive and more proactive than reactive. You must go after the jobs you want, not just wait for them to fall in your lap.

1. Since your "work history is not extensive", you need to get more experience - in the right industry at least if not in the job of your dreams. You will probably have to pay your dues, so begin looking for work in financial institutions (or other business oriented organizations) even though the positions may be a little lower than your ultimate goal. Get in there, show your stuff and climb the ladder!

2. Next, begin to change how you perceive the process. Most employers do not necessarily have a serious interest in "providing you with what you are looking for." They are interested in conducting their business, and look for people who can help them accomplish their goals. Your job is to learn enough about what they want to prepare yourself to do just that! Look at management training programs, a large company like Lowes or Home Depot often start people off on the sales floor and begin to educate them to move up. Think outside the box.

3. Study job requirements and work to create an approach that highlights those skills that apply. Make sure your resume reflects as much of that as you can. See if you can get some experience through volunteering.

4. Also, since you need a "break," contact your alumni office and others who may be able to help you and start networking! You can learn these skills by working with a career counselor at your university or a community agency. Or check out some excellent articles on the website www.therileyguide.com

Good luck!
The Career Experts @ ChicagoJobs.org

Job Training

How can I get entry Business Analysis experience or training from the State of Illinois? I am also interested in the Organizational development field. Can I get volunteer opportunities or training for a reasonable price?

If you are asking about getting educational funding from the State of Illinois, you might be referring to the Workforce Development program. Best to go direct to the source and call the local office of the State of Illinois Department of Unemployment Insurance/Workforce Development. Try Illinois Department of Employment Security for more information.

Another good way to find out about training in a particular field is to contact an association that serves that industry. They can direct you to training and possibly volunteer opportunities. You might also set up informational interviews with people in that field and inquire about volunteering (listed with teen jobs). Your library has many resources to help identify industry associations.