Career advice for the new college graduate
After the celebration ends and the dust settles many college graduates are left standing face to face with their future and unsure of what to do next. This week on Cocoa Mode we will help new graduates (young and old) prepare for the challenges that lie ahead with advice from Chaz Kyser, the author of Embracing the Real World; the Black Woman’s Guide to Life after College, our resident financial Expert Dorri Scott of High Worth N’ High Heels as well as Workplace Ettiquette Coach, Fannie Allen.

Life after College:

Chaz Kyser, the author of Embracing the Real World: The African American Woman’s Guide to Life after College, offers some advice to women who are considering re-locating after graduation.

• Know what kinds of people live in your location of choice. If you’re the kind of woman who always asks , “Where are all the Black Folk?”, you may want to research the racial breakdown of the area, the male to female ratio and the age demographics to make sure you’ll be comfortable with the current population.
  
• Research the cost of living. Consider the cost of rent, taxes, transportation, utilities and food before deciding to relocate. The “great” salary offer may not be so great if you end up spending it all just to get by.
  
• Check out the local job market. Make sure your new city offers opportunities beyond your current job. With lay-offs and cutbacks more prevalent than ever, you never know if you may be in the market for a new job sooner than later. If you end up in a city with little opportunity you may find yourself worse of than if you’d stayed put.

For more information on Chaz Kyser and her new book, Embracing the Real World, check out her website: www.embracingtheworld.com.

Dorri Scott, the co-founder of High Heels n High Worth suggests women who are ready to take that leap into the waters of the real world spend some time talking to people already in the workforce to get a better idea of the salary range in your field of interest. Armed with the knowledge, you will be in a better position to negotiate a fair salary for yourself.

Dorri Scott also recommends every new employee take full advantage of the 401K and flexible spending plans offered by your employer. The sooner you begin saving for your future the sooner you can begin enjoying your future.

Finally, never be afraid to ask for what you want or need from your future employer. If you need relocation assistance, chances are your new employer will spring for the moving bill if they feel your presence is an asset to the company.

Fannie Allen, Director of The Allen Etiquette Institute shares a few tips on how to make a stellar first impression.

• Study the environment BEFORE you go for your job interview. If you notice the employees are dressed conservatively, then you should be as well.
  
• If you’re invited out for a business lunch, be mindful of what you order. Simple easy to eat meals are always best. If possible try to talk business before the meal, especially if you or you host plan on enjoying an alcoholic beverage. (Which you should never feel obligated to do)
  
• No matter how good he looks or how sweet he is, the workplace is not a good breeding ground for romance. Don’t jeopardize your career for a relationship that may not last. If you must be together, consider transferring to anotherdepartment, or at the very least familiarize yourself with the company policy on relationships in the work place.