After years of hard work, you’ve graduated, polished your resume, and sent out applications, but something isn’t landing. Maybe every “entry-level” job seems to require three years of experience, or maybe your major feels misaligned with what you actually want to do.
So what’s really holding you back — your degree, your industry, or your definition of what’s possible? Before making a big pivot, take these steps to clarify your direction and uncover the opportunities your degree already makes possible.
Step 1: Redefine “Entry-Level”
Not long ago, “entry-level” meant exactly that: your first professional step, minimal experience required. Today, it’s a little more complicated. Many so-called beginner roles now ask for prior internships, technical skills, or hybrid expertise that didn’t exist a few years ago.
But here’s the truth: “entry-level” is less about a title and more about capability. Employers want evidence that you can contribute quickly, and that proof can come from class projects, campus leadership, or part-time work just as much as it can from a traditional internship.
Pro Tip: Instead of filtering for job titles like “assistant” or “coordinator,” search by skills like project management, communication, research, AI prompt engineering. You’ll open up roles that may match what you can already do, not just what you think you’re qualified for.
Step 2: Get Clear on What You Really Want
When your job search feels off-track, it’s tempting to blame your major or the market. But sometimes the problem is clarity, not credentials.
That’s where career assessments can help. Think of them as a starting map, not a final destination.
Try:
O*NET Interest Profiler, to connect your interests with real-world job families.
Myers-Briggs, to improve decision-making, communication, and self-awareness.
Holland Code, to find careers that align with your interests and skills.
Some of these assessments are fee-based, and alternatives might be available.
Once you have results, reflect on patterns: Which skills energize you? Which tasks drain you? Then, talk through your insights with a mentor or advisor who knows your work — fresh perspective turns results into direction.
Want a more personalized and comprehensive approach, our expert career coaches offer Career Skills and Interests Assessments to help find optimal, right-fit roles and identify where you can excel.
Step 3: Evaluate and Expand Your Path
Ask yourself: Is this a position problem, or an industry problem?
If you’re applying to dozens of roles without traction, it might be that you’re aiming too narrowly or without target focus.. Check whether your target jobs truly match your skill mastery, level, and experience. Look at LinkedIn profiles of people with your degree and major, especially from your alma mater, and find out where they started. What keywords do they use?
If you spot gaps, don’t panic. Micro-courses, certifications, or bootcamps can fill them quickly and cost-effectively. Sometimes your major does fit — you just need to frame it differently.
You may also benefit from broadening your definition of “entry-level.” Many grads already have the foundation for a great role; they simply need to look beyond traditional titles. Explore adjacent paths that use your strengths in new ways:
A psychology grad might thrive in UX research or human resources.
An English major could excel in marketing or customer experience.
Focus your search on skills, not titles. The goal isn’t to land the perfect job on day one, it’s to find a learning-rich role that builds momentum in your career. Short-term contracts, fellowships, or project-based roles also count. Every experience that builds transferable skills is a win.
Step 4: Pivot or Maximize What You’ve Already Built
Sometimes, a pivot is the right move, and that’s okay. If your coursework, internships, or early work consistently feel misaligned with what excites you, explore how your background might translate elsewhere. For example:
Education → corporate training
Art → UX design
Journalism → content strategy
Use career assessments and informational interviews to test your interest before investing in retraining. And if you’re considering grad school or a certificate, run a quick ROI check to determine if it will expand your options or just delay your next step.
Whatever path you take, your degree is still valuable, you just have to connect the dots for employers.
Translate academic projects into language that highlights your in-demand soft skills — for example, turn “researched” into “worked collaboratively to solve problems,” and “presented” into “communicated ideas clearly and led discussions. “Translate academic projects into employer language.
Highlight results, not just responsibilities.
Keep learning through free or low-cost certifications to future-proof your skills.
Leverage your alumni network — you’d be surprised how many grads love helping students or peers find their footing.
Career growth isn’t about starting over; it’s about expanding what you already have.
Your Next Step
Whether you choose to broaden your definition of entry-level or take a fresh turn altogether, the key is self-awareness. Use tools like career assessments, honest reflection, and feedback from your network to steer your next move. Careers aren’t linear anymore — and that’s good news. With curiosity and flexibility, you can shape a path that fits you just as well as your resume
If you’re ready to kickstart your career with an expertly tailored approach, our early-career coaches can help. With proven strategies and one-on-one guidance, we’ll set you up for success in your job search and beyond.
Like this post? Share it!
