I had trouble finding work after university. It took almost 2 years.

This also told test is based on a conversation with Carter James, 25, a coordinator of content integrity in New York, about spending more than a year after obtaining the university diploma looking for full -time permanent work. It has been changed for duration and clarity.

I felt disappointed when I did not manage to get a job just after obtaining my undergraduate diploma in May 2023. In January, I started to apply between 10 and 20 jobs each week, but my dreams of doing in my industry decreased with each rejection. ​

A year after my diploma, I moved to New York and I moved in with my partner. I felt so discouraged during the work at work there. I was an independent designer who fought with academics. To worsen things, growing up, I was told that a university degree was my ticket for career success. Now I was there, fighting to find work.

I managed to dissuade myself from the negative self-discourse and I continued to apply for jobs. Finally, after two years of job research, I started my first career job at Sony.

My internships were perhaps about to find a job after university

After postponing the school for an academic year due to Covid, I graduated from the Berklee College of Music with a first cycle diploma in music business, production and technology – an independent diploma program.

Throughout the school, I worked with high -level customers in nice part -time courses and deemed media companies. I have targeted jobs in music and in media and entertainment industries. Unfortunately, I continued to pass.

I thought that I had not been hired because I was a recent graduate of the university and that I had not had close relations with my Berklee teachers. However, some potential employers told me that I was overqualified for the roles because of my work experience during my stay in Berklee.

At the same time, I faced impost syndrome if I thought I was about to apply for a role that seemed above my capacities.

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I focused on creating content, freelance and small projects while looking for work

Often, I had no news of employers, but at the time, I did not worry about rejection because I thought I had more time to find an excellent opportunity. I was very confident in my curriculum vitae.

I focused on creating independent content, such as writing songs professionally. The projects paid very little, but as an independent musician pursuing my long-term artistic talent, I felt optimistic about self-employment as a serious career option.

I published more content on social networks than usual because of my free time. I liked that I feel recognized that I had always existed. My efforts have borne fruit: I started with 15,000 subscribers on Instagram in 2023, and now I reached more than 70,000.

Some fashion brands and audio technology companies have hired me to present their products on my social networks. Meanwhile, I continued to send curriculum vitae and motivation letters for full -time, part -time, seasonal and contractual work.

I crashed at the bottom of a barrel after each rejection

I cried on the phone with my mother so many times, asking her if I had to find a job in a restaurant or return to work in cinemas. My life looked like roller coaster with so many ups and downs.

I felt so turned upside down when I thought I had won a job and I didn’t start anything at all. These refusals had the impression of crashing into the bottom of a barrel. I just couldn’t take over the overwhelming emotions for about two years. I felt like a check clock, counting every week and every month.

Industry professionals have encouraged everyone not to abandon

I kept asking myself: “I am qualified; I am a go-steter; why am I not hired?” Or: “Do I walk in the city with my curriculum vitae and transmit them to future employers?”

I remembered that the pandemic contributed to a large part of my job rejection because the live music industry stopped during this period. I knew that I had lived unprecedented times.

Second, I came across LinkedIn articles by industry professionals who continued to encourage everyone not to abandon. Living with my partner, who worked every day, also inspired me to continue.

Finally, a recruitment agency helped me win a role in Sony

So how did I get my current career role at Sony? I connected with a recruitment agency that had Sony as a customer.

I first worked at the reception of Sony as an administrative assistant for more than a month. Then, my agency recruiter contacted me for a full -time position at Sony who fell on his desk. I jumped at the opportunity to find stability in my career. I felt excited and grateful.

After two series of interviews, once with my current supervisor, then once with the current director of my department, I accepted a job offer.

My main point to remember is as follows: do not wait until the opportunities arise if you have just moved from the university and you are looking for regular work; Be proactive in your job search. During my job search, I became more creative and as an individual than ever before.

If you have difficulty for years before finding a job and you want to share your story, please send an e-mail to the publisher, Manseen Logan, to mlogan@businessinsider.com.