First of all, congratulations to all the 2020 graduates. It’s been a whirlwind of a year - and that’s still an understatement. Graduating college is undoubtedly one of the greatest accomplishments you’ll ever make, but the external circumstances have clouded some of that success and celebration. 

Diving into the professional world during a post-pandemic atmosphere - when everything is already off-kilter - is daunting, to say the least. It’s easy to see how today’s new grads are feeling discontent, unconfident, and nervous. After all, this is supposed to be the first step into the rest of your lives… but it’s an incomparably shaky step. 

I recently read a great article from Time that outlined the struggles of today’s graduates. Without going too far into the details, more than 1/5th of employers canceled their summer internship offers back in April due to COVID. Plus, there’s been a 75%+ decline in job listings for entry-level positions. These are certainly tough times… so where’s the bright side? 

Amid all this bad news, today’s graduates need a boost of confidence. After all, it’s the hardest things that make us grow the most. Brighten up your outlook and get motivated with my 5 tips for 2020’s graduates.

Never Stop

Resilience is key. The fight is only over when you say it is - so why tap out early? In a time when it seems like everyone is saying ‘no’, don’t take no for an answer. Never stop networking, practicing, and searching for your place. Don’t let your momentum slow down. Keep it 100, always! 

Get Creative

When the competition is harsh, the best thing you can do is be yourself.

Creative solutions and adaptability will be highly-coveted skill sets in the post-pandemic world of business. Think outside the box for every question that you’re presented with. Innovation and troubleshooting should be daily exercises for you, along with a healthy dose of due diligence. Flex your creativity and think of new ways to make your pitch undeniably effective. 

In the Meantime… Hone Your Talents

If you don’t engage with something, you won’t be attracting that into your life. Look, it may not be easy to get your foot in the door. But, in the meantime, make sure that you’re not letting yourself slip. Keep doing what you do - even if it’s just for you. 

If you’re in business, stay on top of all of the news and trends. If you’re a writer, write every day. If you’re an artist, invest heavily in your art. No matter what you do, just do it. Create your own projects and put in those hours practicing. That way, when you do get that job, the transition will be smooth and your skills will be polished. 

I hope that you will carry these lessons with you throughout your life. This won’t be your last challenge, but it will be the first time you persevere against all odds. 

Again, because it just can’t be said enough, congratulations to all of the new graduates. You made it this far, so don’t stop now. It’s the time to give your 110% - and more.