You’re graduating. Good job. Now what? You obviously didn’t get a degree to keep waiting tables, so the job search must begin.

Let’s be realistic now: you’re probably not going to find a job soon after graduating. According to an article on Forbes.com, roughly 53 percent of college graduates are unemployed or under employed. Not good.

Try to keep things in perspective. 

“You definitely aren’t the only one who is looking for a job,” said Jim Frank, community relations professional. “Don’t beat yourself up when you can’t find one immediately.” 

It’s fine to be a little indecisive. Just get out there and get some experience so you don’t have a large gap in your resume to explain later.

If it’s becoming hard to confront the never-ending pressure of a job search, try to take baby steps. Think about what you need to do next in your job search, instead of where you believe you should to be.

There are things you can be doing at home to help you prepare for the rigors of job searches. 

“Make sure you have a LinkedIn profile, even if it’s bare,” said Ivy Swift, hiring manager for Darden, Inc.

Having connections with people in the professional world can positively reflect on you in the eyes of employers.

Use the Career Services office at Wichita State. It seems so obvious, but according to campus studies, only 29 percent of students use the office. In the best case scenario, the office can connect you with alumni in your field of interest. At the very least, this will get you a contact in the field you are pursuing. 

Lastly, don’t just sit in mom and dad’s basement waiting to catch a big break. It isn’t going to happen. Get an internship, with someone, anyone. Experience in the field and enlarging contacts in the field can do nothing but help.