Grads across the nation are seeing their final semesters being transformed by the impact of COVID-19. From missed milestones to cancelled ceremonies, finishing a degree or diploma through these times can look very different than what was likely anticipated. Still, these students will be graduating nonetheless, and many newly minted college degree holders will be looking for jobs in a time when many fields are seeing a slowing of new hires. Lucky for this group, there’s one batch of grads who have already gone through this: the class of 2008. The class of the Great Recession. 

In a recent article for the Tampa Bay Times, authors Matt Baker, Ileana Najarro, and Tara McCarty discussed advice from the class of 2008 to the class of 2020 on how to look for a job during a season of economic uncertainty. This article suggests that, at best, the class of 2020 has been extremely delayed in their initial job search due to the stress of having to move to online schooling. At worst, jobs may not be available in many employment sectors. To advise, Baker, Najarro, and McCarty interviewed ten 2008 grads for their best advice. 

Many graduates, first and foremost, suggest widening your search beyond what you would ideally like to be doing. Grads experiences ranged from difficulty getting started to having companies shut down on you. Broadening your horizons could not only be just the thing to get you a paying gig in the meantime – it could also lead you to jobs you’ll enjoy that you didn’t know existed. This was the case for Lara Goldstein, 33, who graduated college thinking she wanted to work on television shows, but is now enjoying a successful career in the commercial industry. 

Other grads speak on the possibility of taking a job that doesn’t necessarily fit your qualifications as a good way to break into the field in a challenging time. Corbin DeNagy, 33, took a job in the finance field that only required a high school degree in order to get started on his career. By just getting started, he was able to move up the ladder. “I just went in and tried to prove myself,” DeNagy said. “You have to put your head down and start working.” 

Another common bead of advice is simply to do what you have to do to ensure your well being. Many grads speak of taking two part-time jobs or separating themselves mentally from company culture. “That was a big lesson learned for me, I think,” Jordan McDonald, 35, advised. “Just in terms of companies aren’t necessarily going to be loyal to you when things get bad.” The graduates stated that keeping a clear view of one’s personal needs and objectives can help give direction to otherwise uncertain times. 

Above all else, most of the grads mention one thing: this too shall pass. Though graduating during a pandemic is unprecedented, it will eventually pass, and the class of 2020 will be able to spread their wings. 

Read the full article here.