How is it that someone with a college degree and plenty of experience get overlooked for jobs so quickly?

Question

You ever wonder that yourself? I have a B.S. in a health field... yet there are no jobs out there. I just know that after racking my brain for 4 years, there's still nothing that shows promise? And how does one simply avoid being pigeon-holed so quickly in the job market?

Answer 1

Once you start working in a field, it's hard to transition to a completely new field unless you can find a way to make a natural connection on your resume. So for example, if you work as an accountant, but want to move into marketing, you'd go back to school for your MBA in marketing, do a marketing internship, and transition that way.

If your undergrad degree is in a health related field, and all your work experience since then has been in, say (example), retail, it's not going to be possible for you to jump into the health field without you doing something to prompt that change, and make it logical/easy for employers to see you in your new role. So you could quit your job (so you make a clean break with the old career, and have time for internships), go to school full time in health, and do internships in health. This may allow you to transition.

However, be very aware of what fields are in demand in your region. Don't go majoring in something for which there is no demand where you need to live.

If you want something that's failsafe, and you really want healthcare, I'd actually have you consider going back to school for a second bachelors degree in nursing, or going to grad school (if you're qualified for admission) to become a physician's assistant. These fields tend to be in high demand in most regions of the US, they are in health so they may appeal to you, and it'd probably only take you about 2 years to complete the degree needed.  

Answer 2

Also, we're currently in a recession (well, pretty much). The job outlook is not good for a lot of people, but hopefully the economy will get better soon.

Answer 3

It's your young face and no experience. All you can do now is find that experience any way possible. You'll have to take that less menial/paying job. It's either that or look at other jobs that are more in damand and see what you need to get them (certifications,ect). You could also take any job you can get and then meanwhile volunteer where you really want to work to gain experience. No matter how much education a person gets they still have to start out at the bottom. It's just something you have to accept, do your time and then the reward will come later. So... find out what jobs you can do for now, do  them and just keep applying for the ones you want. If they never call you- you call them! Show up there and try to get to know the person that does the hiring, too. Let employers know you exist- more than just on a resume! They'll like your determination and think of you first. I got a professional type job like that and I had no college or experience  in the field.  I kept asking them what  I COULD  do to get experience (or just work there at all)- they finally hired me to sub. See, now if I hadn't harrassed the right the people and kept asking they would of never called me. Then later I got a even better job because when I got through the door I started learning who had power and started getting to know them, too. Hope that helps you.