College Grad Still Looking For Meaningful Work?

From Medfield To Mumbai, from Scottsdale to Singapore, college grads are moving back home at a rate we’ve never seen before.Tassles in one hand, an average of $23,000 in debt in the other, and hundreds of  “Thank you for your interest, but…”  letters later; no meaningful work?

And yet at every Human Resources Conference the hottest topic is “the global war for talent.” Something is broken here and no one is waiting for Congress to fix it - least of all, you.

So let's get started:

Step 1: Know what you are great at

You chose a major, seemingly, back in Junior High. But did you really major in what you would be great at? How could you have? You weren't even "you" yet. Did you know that the top 10 in-demand jobs last year, didn't even exist back then?

College was a great education that prepared you to go out into the world to find meaningful work doing what you are great at. The opportunity to succeed is out there, just waiting for you!

Step 2: Optimize what's great about "Generation Y"

Generation Y is also known as generation 'Why?'. Your boomer parents questioned everything and fought against established norms; until we all became investment bankers, of course. So your Whys and impatience with career success came from us.

Take those traits and offer to be a 'reverse mentor' to a CEO or a seasoned executive who needs you to ask Why. She'll show you what amazing skills you really do have. She'll even show you a few skills you'll need to strengthen, that will accelerate your career.

Step 3: Look for possibilities in every situation

Jeff Bezos majored in electrical engineering. But the billionaire CEO of Amazon saw a different possibility for himself. George Lucas majored in Anthropology. But the Oscar-winning creator of Star Wars saw a decidedly different future.

Check out the college majors of this list of famous people to see a world of possibilities!

So, from the lens of what you are great at, look at any and every opportunity - that just let's you do more of whatever that is. Say yes to every opportunity that crosses your path and always remind yourself of what Stephen Wiltshire saw was possible.

Now, what are you waiting for?

  "Hired! For What You Are Great At"  is a weekly series. Each week we will share actual successes, new methods that work and practical advice for active job-seekers and career-changers of all ages. Share with us and everyone in this community your own successes too.