Read this if you are just graduated from college and can’t find a job.

Bet on Yourself

No guru is coming to save you.

No secret book, no magical advice, no shortcut will instantly fix it.

But this is a piece of the puzzle you can use to start winning.

When I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics, I had no clear path to a career. I stepped into a down market, just like many of you are today. And I ran straight into the same brutal paradox:

• You need experience to get a job.
• You need a job to get experience.
• So you’re stuck.

And the truth is, what you learned in school isn’t enough.

Most college degrees — especially business degrees — teach you high-level theory. Concepts like "supply and demand," "business strategy," or "market forces" make you sound smart, but companies aren’t hiring you to be a CEO at 22. They want entry-level hires who can execute tactics, not just talk strategy.

Execution > Theory at the start of your career.

The Macro and Micro Reality

Think about your career like an economy:

• Macro forces (the broader economy) are out of your control.
• Micro forces (your daily actions) are within your control.

Macro:

It’s easier to get hired when the economy is booming. Companies hire more when consumer spending is strong, when the future looks stable.

But during downturns — like what many of you are facing now — hiring slows, risk appetite shrinks, and even experienced workers get cut.

You cannot control this.

Micro:

What you can control is how you spend your time and energy.

Use this season to study industries, learn about real job demands (mental, physical, emotional), and understand which fields are rising or falling — especially under forces like AI and automation.

When the economy shifts, new skills become disproportionately valuable.

Times of massive change favor newcomers who adapt faster than incumbents.

How to Build Skills Companies Actually Want

If you’re serious about winning the job hunt:

1. Read job descriptions in fields you’re curious about.Don’t just focus on the title — look at the skills they want.
2. Self-study those skills.Many companies offer free training, certifications, and learning paths. You don't need expensive bootcamps to start.
3. Get real, small wins.Build projects, volunteer, freelance — anything that gives you tangible proof that you can do what the job requires.

Important: Your degree alone is not your differentiator.

Your combination of skills will be.

The market rewards people who have cross-disciplinary skills — like someone who knows finance and SQL/database analysis. Or someone who understands marketing and knows how to run ads on Facebook or Google.

The more unique and relevant your skill set, the less replaceable you become.

Choosing the Right Industry Matters

Some industries are growing (AI, cybersecurity, green energy).

Some are stagnant (traditional banking, old media).

Some are shrinking (print publishing, coal mining).

Apply the concept of Blue Ocean Strategy:

Find sectors where there’s demand but not overwhelming competition.

If you blindly chase what everyone else does (e.g., “finance bro,” “consulting path”), you’ll be fighting in a crowded, cutthroat, red ocean. Instead, be smart. Go where opportunity is abundant and competition is lower.

Avoid the Shiny Object Trap

Early 20s = lots of time and energy, little money.

It’s tempting to chase "get rich quick" schemes:

Crypto, day trading, dropshipping — whatever is hot at the moment.

Be very careful.

Randomly chasing trends usually leads to wasted years.

A better strategy:

• Focus on fields that align with your genuine interests.
• Study problems you enjoy solving, even when nobody’s paying you yet.

A great tool to help you with this: What Color is Your Parachute?

It’s a classic for a reason. It helped me and many of my friends find direction when we felt completely lost.

What Should You Focus On?

If you don’t know where to start:

• Take free (or cheap) aptitude tests online.
• Reflect on what activities energize you vs. drain you.
• Ask: If nobody paid me, what problems would I still enjoy working on?

Don’t focus first on what’s "safe" or "expected."

Focus on building momentum in something you can stay curious and engaged about over the long haul.

Final Thought: Stay in the Game

If no one else has told you this:

I see you. I’m rooting for you.

It’s not supposed to be easy.

But this season of confusion, failure, and uncertainty will pass if you keep moving forward.

You don't have to have everything figured out.

You just have to stay alive in the game long enough for your shot.

Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, medical, or professional advice. The author is not a licensed advisor. Any actions taken based on this content are your responsibility. No liability is assumed for outcomes resulting from its use.