So, Fresh College Grad Na Ako... What Do I Do Next?
Ah, graduation—a bittersweet moment for every college student. On the plus side, you’ve overcome years of being perpetually sleep-deprived and are smarter for it. On the down side, you’re saying goodbye to friends you’re with practically six days a week. It also marks the beginning of financial independence and this thing we all dread called “adulting.” Don’t worry, you’re not alone in feeling half-nervous and half-excited for the real world. Here’s a little guide to get you ready for post-college life.
Know the basic difference between a CV and a Resume.
Finding a job is almost automatically the next step after graduation. While many fresh grads take their time in looking for a first job, others just don’t have that kind of luxury. Job hunting often means you’ve got either of these documents with you (and a portfolio, if necessary). While often used interchangeably, here are the basic differences between a CV and a resume, according to University of California, Davis' Internship and Career Center:
Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Latin for “course of life.”
- Typically longer than a resume
- Contains your academic accomplishments and qualifications arranged chronologically
Resume – French for “summary.”
- Typically one page long
- Summary of your educational background, relevant work experience, and skills, arranged reverse-chronologically
Prepare your pre-employment documents.
Aside from a resume or a CV, you’ll need these pre-employment documents for your job hunting journey:
- Birth certificate
- NBI Clearance (A document that states whether criminal cases have been filed against you.)
- Transcript of Records (A document that contains a student’s comprehensive academic record including the courses taken and the corresponding grades for each course.)
- BIR Form No. 1901 for the issuance of TIN (Accessible at: bir.gov.ph)
- SSS (Social Security System) Membership Registration Form (Accessible at: sss.gov.ph)
- PAGIBIG Membership Application Form (Accessible at: pagibigfund.gov.ph)
- PMRF: PhilHealth Membership Registration Form (Accessible at: philhealth.gov.ph)
Know where to go job hunting.
Where can you scout for job openings without fear of being scammed? Sites like JobStreet and LinkedIn are most often used by corporations to handle their job openings. In the age of social media, however, there are a couple of Facebook groups (often localized to a certain college or university and moderated by alumni) where companies and employers can post job openings, most of which are considerably reliable avenues for job hunting.
Open a bank account.
Assuming the job hunting went well (fingers crossed!) and you’re now officially a worthy recipient of a monthly salary, it’ll be wise to open your own savings account (even if you have one for payroll). It’s always a good move to be smart about your money, and having your own bank account is a good exercise of that financial independence.
