Duke bachelor’s (economics) & literally no work history

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is what it is. List whatever might be favorable, don't list what isn't real, and apply for entry-level roles where prior experience is not required.

That said, the absence of even summer employment or volunteer work will not reflect well on the job applicant, who may be seen as lazy and unambitious, absent extenuating circumstances or some other accomplishments during those time periods.

Yes, honestly, lazy and unanimous are on target. So, what now? What is realistic?

[Anonymous]

Entry-level commission-based sales jobs with brokerage firms, if the student can pass the licensing exams. There is little risk to the employer when compensation is mostly or entirely commissions, so the absence of experience probably won't be disqualifying, even if the employer pays a small salary during an initial training period.

Or, something which like entry-level real estate sales, focusing on younger clients who may be able to relate to him/her.

Even if these don't pan out in the long-term, they will provide the foundation for a resume which can be used to try to pivot into something else later.

A military career might be a possibility.

Many law enforcement agencies are struggling to recruit in the aftermath of the defund-the-police mania which swept much of the country a few years ago. The absence of prior work experience probably won't be disqualifying in itself, assuming the student is otherwise qualified in terms of a fairly clean criminal history, physical fitness, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is what it is. List whatever might be favorable, don't list what isn't real, and apply for entry-level roles where prior experience is not required.

That said, the absence of even summer employment or volunteer work will not reflect well on the job applicant, who may be seen as lazy and unambitious, absent extenuating circumstances or some other accomplishments during those time periods.

Yes, honestly, lazy and unambitious are on target. So, what now? What is realistic?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Entry-level commission-based sales jobs with brokerage firms, if the student can pass the licensing exams. There is little risk to the employer when compensation is mostly or entirely commissions, so the absence of experience probably won't be disqualifying, even if the employer pays a small salary during an initial training period.

Or, something which like entry-level real estate sales, focusing on younger clients who may be able to relate to him/her.

Even if these don't pan out in the long-term, they will provide the foundation for a resume which can be used to try to pivot into something else later.

A military career might be a possibility.

Many law enforcement agencies are struggling to recruit in the aftermath of the defund-the-police mania which swept much of the country a few years ago. The absence of prior work experience probably won't be disqualifying in itself, assuming the student is otherwise qualified in terms of a fairly clean criminal history, physical fitness, etc.

Military as in commissioned officer with a bachelors degree? Is there an annual application window for that?

For the record, no criminal history. Just literally no W2 jobs, no volunteering, and no university orgs or clubs.

[Anonymous]

The kid is not going to get any kind of job that requires being selected. His parents need to hook up the kid with a job through any connections they may have.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is what it is. List whatever might be favorable, don't list what isn't real, and apply for entry-level roles where prior experience is not required.

That said, the absence of even summer employment or volunteer work will not reflect well on the job applicant, who may be seen as lazy and unambitious, absent extenuating circumstances or some other accomplishments during those time periods.

Yes, honestly, lazy and unambitious are on target. So, what now? What is realistic?

I’d worry about the suggestion for something commission-based (ie sales). The kid may be able to land one of those jobs but someone lazy and unambitious will not flourish there. The problem is really that Duke says “smart” and the lack of anything else says “but not worth the gamble”. The military or law enforcement route has at least a structure of expectations for work that might light a fire.

[Anonymous]

Whoever it is should ask the career center what to do if they have nothing to put on the resume. I’m sure they’ve seen this before.

[Anonymous]

Well, I don't know if this is the "correct" answer, but if it were my kid the first thing I would do is tell him to get a volunteer position somewhere. Especially if it's at a place that is related to his degree--for example if he has a degree in plant biology he could volunteer at a botanical garden.
Try to get a regular shift (same day/time each week) and treat that like a job--ALWAYS on time, prepared and engaged. Be genuinely friendly with all of the other volunteers, employees and supervisors. Sometimes the other volunteers are people who retired and still have connections in that industry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well, I don't know if this is the "correct" answer, but if it were my kid the first thing I would do is tell him to get a volunteer position somewhere. Especially if it's at a place that is related to his degree--for example if he has a degree in plant biology he could volunteer at a botanical garden.
Try to get a regular shift (same day/time each week) and treat that like a job--ALWAYS on time, prepared and engaged. Be genuinely friendly with all of the other volunteers, employees and supervisors. Sometimes the other volunteers are people who retired and still have connections in that industry.

It is still going to be incredibly sketchy for any interview, background check and/or on-boarding when they ask for experience and literally the only thing is:

May 2024 - current: Volunteering

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Whoever it is should ask the career center what to do if they have nothing to put on the resume. I’m sure they’ve seen this before.

If career services staff at colleges knew how to get a good career they wouldn't be working at career services copying and pasting email responses to teenagers all day. Maybe a dept director makes good money but low level staff helping kids are worthless.

[Anonymous]

career center is not usually that eager to help someone who hasn't done anything at all for themselves.

[Anonymous]

Just pathologically lie about two summer internships. The only employers who truly deep dive and vet employment history are banks and some fed agencies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, I don't know if this is the "correct" answer, but if it were my kid the first thing I would do is tell him to get a volunteer position somewhere. Especially if it's at a place that is related to his degree--for example if he has a degree in plant biology he could volunteer at a botanical garden.
Try to get a regular shift (same day/time each week) and treat that like a job--ALWAYS on time, prepared and engaged. Be genuinely friendly with all of the other volunteers, employees and supervisors. Sometimes the other volunteers are people who retired and still have connections in that industry.

It is still going to be incredibly sketchy for any interview, background check and/or on-boarding when they ask for experience and literally the only thing is:

May 2024 - current: Volunteering

Pp you quoted here

Sure, but what I’d hope for is after doing just standard volunteer work for a little while, he could be trusted enough to head a committee for a specific project or event.
Or that he’d get to know Sally the retired volunteer so well that when her former co-worker whose still in the industry and looking for a new employee, she can recommend him and help him get the job.

[Anonymous]

Not simply lying and taking creative license to the extreme solidifies a terminally lazy and worthless candidate. An educated young adult ought to be able to do a few hours of research on LinkedIn and spin a yarn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Whoever it is should ask the career center what to do if they have nothing to put on the resume. I’m sure they’ve seen this before.

Pretty sure they've been telling such kids to go to law school since the 80s. lol