Angela Philipps, Gleaner Writer

A couple of weeks ago I wrote an article for girls who wished to get tips on how to become a lady. This generated much interest from my male readers, who asked that I write something which can apply to them. Their main concern was starting out in the working world.

One email, in particular, caught my eye, as his request is relevant to young men and women:

"I would like to ask you a question about moving to become a professional. I am currently about to complete my last year in college and I was wondering if it would be better to continue straight into graduate school to earn my law degree and PhD, or if it would be better to start working and maybe get involved in a serious relationship.

"Making the transition from being a college student to being a professional can be difficult, so I was wondering what would be your advice to students who are college seniors and are about to graduate. I read your article in last Sunday's Outlook about becoming a lady, and I must say that it had some excellent advice, so I was wondering if you could do the same for people trying to become professionals in their field of interest. I look forward to hearing from you soon."

On a personal note, I would suggest that this young man continue with his education immediately, if he is able. There will be plenty of time in the future to find a girlfriend and 'settle down'. Of course, he might even meet someone in graduate school, and who knows what that may lead to! However, my advice would be to stay focused on your goals and achieve your professional credentials without getting distracted by romance.

Many university students do not know what they'd like to do/be when they graduate. Deciding, in your late teens and early 20s, what career you'd like to pursue can be confusing. You may either have a ton of interests or none at all. Different things could be influencing your choices - intellect, time, money, peer or family pressure.

Your choice of subject in college might have no bearing on what pathway you'll take in life. This was the case for me, actually. My degree was a full on in the 'deep' department, if you catch my drift, and unless I was to become a professor in the topic, it was unlikely that I'd have much use for all its nuances. However, I am very glad that I proceeded with tertiary education. I don't think it mattered what I studied. The point is that I went through with it, without quitting. A lot of essay writing was involved, so I guess in one sense it ended up being relevant to me now, after all!

what next?

So, let's say you have your bachelor's, or the equivalent, what next?

1. Put your curriculum vitae/résumé together.

2. Think about what job you'd like - if possible, gear your CV towards this.

3. Look in the classifieds. Note the requirements of the job you are interested in.

4. Talk to professionals and tell them what job you are looking for - it might lead somewhere.

5. If there is a company/organisation you'd like to work for, then send that company your CV and a cover letter.

6. Buy smart attire in preparation for a job interview. Your clothes and shoes should be appropriate - no short or tight clothes. You are applying to work in a professional context, not going out to a club/party/bar!

7. If you are called in for an interview, then make sure you are ON TIME, and that during the interview you keep to what is relevant to the job and to the questions you are being asked by the person interviewing you.

8. If successful, ensure you know what is expected of you and that you are happy with this.

9. If you do not get the job, don't give up. Apply for another - you are NOT a failure.

10. Once you have secured a job, be sure that you turn up on time every day, work as hard as you can, and enjoy what you do.

angelaphilippsja@hotmail.com.