Job Hunt Sucks!

But Here’s How I Made the Most of It....

We have all heard it: "Job hunting is tough," but for international students like me, it is a whole other level of stress - juggling part-time jobs, classes, interviews, deadlines, and the constant fear of being unemployed after graduation. Sounds overwhelming, right? Well, it was. Realistically speaking, there were days I wanted to cry, doubt everything, and question when the heck I'd get a job. But here's the twist: this struggle had its silver lining, and I tried to make most of it.

The Struggle Is Real

Preparing for graduation, studying, sending out job applications, and scheduling interviews, apart from part-time work, all felt like an act of juggling on tightropes. All that while keeping in mind my international status and 90-day grace period, knowing that I couldn't work anywhere if things didn't pan out.

But then graduation hit, and let's just say the "tension level" shot through the roof. Suddenly, the reality of possibly being unemployed was hitting me hard, and I couldn't help but feel the pressure of the ticking clock.

Making the Most of My Free Time

OK, now; let me change gears here, because from here onward, it did a turn in which everything turned positive. The process was tiresome and full of anxiety, which nonetheless made me more focused on self-improvement than I would have thought plausible.

I wasn't going to sit there and feel sorry for myself. Oh no, I organized! I created a job application plan-a full-on to-do list on an Excel sheet. I included portals that I had to apply to, people that I needed to contact, and networks to engage.

But here's the thing-you can't spend every minute of your day applying to jobs and sending LinkedIn messages. So, what did I do to keep my sanity in check? I stepped back, enjoyed things I had never had time for, and let myself grow in ways I never thought possible.

I made a point to ask professors or colleagues whether they needed help with research or peer reviews. I also applied as peer reviewer myself and did review and judging of peer work in my field. I called some old friends back in India with whom I had not spoken for ages because I kept saying I was busy :( I cooked good food :) Being a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society, I spent daily 1 hour on networking and engaging in meaningful discussion there. I even opened an LLC in case there were any short-term projects I could take on while waiting for that dream job. These things added to the learning and connect me with many more people too.

Building My Skills and Network

I didn't just let the days slip by. No, I dove headfirst into my own personal development. I did challenges on Storyline, took certifications on LinkedIn, and continued to improve my website and profile on LinkedIn. I set a goal to apply to conferences that I was eligible for, so I could continue learning and stay relevant.

Same routine on weekends, though-I binge-watched the latest series to give myself a break; of course, we all need that moment of relaxation! I cleaned my computer, drive, organized my documents, and basically made sure that everything was ready for when that job offer call came. You will thank your stars you did these when it all falls into place.

The 'aha' moment

In spite of all the tears, the self-doubting, and the fear of "what if," I kept pushing. I was doing everything possible: networking, refining my skills, keeping positive-and then just when I least expected it, I got the job!!!!! It is not a quick fix. It is not easy. But believe me, the day the universe finally says "yes" will be worth everything. And I wouldn't have been ready if I didn't make the most of my free time.

The One Thing I Wish I Did

That would be the inclusion of physical activity. This would have aided in dealing better with the stress and kept me energized throughout.

Stay Positive, Keep Pushing

Thus, to all my fellows out there who are in the same boat, facing job hunting or whatever has been going on in life after graduation-just be optimistic and utilize your time. Be it enhancing your skills, networking, or even taking care of yourself, everything little thing counts, trust me. And, well, things just click when you least expect them.

After all, "Job hunt sucks!". but it doesn't have to define you. ★