Diploma, so Where\'s Your Dream JOB? You

¶ … DIPLOMA, SO WHERE'S YOUR DREAM JOB?

You need to take a breath.

You, the successful college graduate, deserve to bask a moment in the delightful glow of your accomplishment. Mom and dad are proud of you, and they believe your education was a wise investment. There are no more anxiety-filled all-nighters fueled by lattes and cold pizza in your immediate future. Take a couple of weeks for a special vacation (funded with all of those generous graduation gifts). Get ready to reevaluate your life. However, don't allow your relaxed breathing exercises to turn into a coma-you have some important decisions to make.

Do your homework.

The idea of homework may be anathema to you at this point, but those study habits will come in handy during your job search. Maybe you chose to major in the intellectually invigorating field of philosophy. Sometimes degrees in such heady fields do not readily translate into a marketable position. It is incumbent upon you to find a way to turn your esoteric abilities and finely honed intellect into cold hard cash. Ask others who have found themselves in the same position what they did to become financially viable.

Google your skills.

Put the research skills you learned as a student to further use by Google-ing your degree in combination with germane keywords, such as "job," "employment," "career," and "occupation." The number of hits you get may surprise you, and you may learn valuable information about where to seek your dream job.

Find a headhunter.

Although it sounds alarming, a headhunter or an Internet employment service may be immensely helpful in your search for gainful employment. Monster.com and other career Web sites allow you to post your resume for prospective employers interested in your unique skill set. If you have the financial wherewithal, there are also individuals who specialize in matching jobs to people.

Be flexible.

If having a dream job is important to you, it makes no sense to be rigid. Maybe your dream job is in another state (or another country!). Be willing to move, if it is at all possible. Maybe the position that is open to you right now isn't your dream job, but another position in the same company is. There is no harm in being a Machiavellian in the job market. Sadly, in the current economy, the only one looking out for your best interests will be you. Consider taking a job you find less than desirable with the hope that your presence in the company will position you for the career you covet.

Continue your education.

Demand in the job market defines the best candidates as those who possess a multiplicity of skills. Consider taking additional classes to pump up your resume. Most colleges and universities offer night classes, so it shouldn't be difficult to continue learning as you enter the business world.

FIVE ESSENTIAL TIME SAVING (AND FUN INDUCING!) TRICKS FOR THE SUMMER

1. Have a plan this summer.

Decide in advance what you would like to do this summer. Successful people do not become successful by accident-their success is typically the result of a well-executed plan. Instead of rushing around madly, trying to accomplish an undefined set of goals, or constantly "intending" to go on that trip to the beach, make a list of what you would like to do while the weather is warm and beautiful. Rank order your choices according to your preference.

Then plan your summer accordingly.

2. Learn how to multitask.

Organized people can do more than one thing at a time. Suppose you need to conduct some business in another town. Is there a way for you to add some fun to the trip? Are there theme parks, museums, or sites of natural beauty in the area? Investigate the possibilities, and you may end up packing a bikini in your briefcase!

3. Create some long weekends.

Some of the most pleasant vacations take place over long weekends. Leave on Friday and return on Monday night. If you live near an airport that is a "hub," you may be able to jet down to Key West or New Orleans for the weekend. Return to work on Tuesday refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to plan for the next long weekend.

4. Make time for the family.