yeah, I'm that desperate.

[Ibrahim]

OK, so lack of a better idea, but here goes:

I've recently (~7 months ago come the 12th) graduated with a bachelor's in Geology, from Colorado State University, at or near top of the class. I've since been looking for a job, while at the same time continuing my quest to continue my education (specifically an MS, then a PhD). I have quite a school loan to pay off (20-something thousand dollars), and need to begin paying them off ASAP.

Jobs I'm qualified for in Geology (or anything really) are plentiful enough, and there's hardly a day I don't find something to apply to. That's where the problems begin: No one is hiring me. Not in Geology, not in most normal jobs--not even the Krogers a mile away want to consider me, and they're paying minimum wage and only offer part-time. I apply, filling out paperwork, or sending resumes (and filling out more paperwork), and yet nothing. No reply, or when there is, it's to the tune of "f*** you, we're not interested". The one place I did find turned out to be a pyramid scheme (you can imagine how that goes), so I had to cut quickly before I took any real loss.

I've tried everything: I've networked as much as I can, I worked and reworked my resumes and CV's, I tried to keep a positive outlook--I even cleaned up my facebook account (such as it exists). But several months later, and with the next round of graduate school applications up (as are my loans), I'm reaching the end of my tether. I've managed to scrounge up enough money to apply to just two places, and as such my chances of success in application are low to none. No one is hiring me anywhere, and I have no way of paying off my loans. The only option I have left is the military, but I don't know if it's a good idea or not, and it doesn't sit well with me.

in short: does anyone have any ideas? any suggestions? any way of getting real work, gainful employment?

[TinCow]

Have you looked at Federal jobs? The Department of the Interior employs a crapton of geologists, mainly in the USGS and NPS. A keyword search for Geologist on USAJOBS pulls up 138 results at the moment. The Fed application process is a major pain in the ass, but it's worth exploring if you haven't tried it yet.

Other than that, I would simply say keep applying and trying. It can be a really tough experience, but persistence pays off. It took me 2.5 years to find a permanent job after I graduated, but I eventually got there. I realize you said you've networked as much as you can, but I do want to emphasize that networking is the best way to find a job. If you've really tapped out all your connections, then you go out and try and make new ones. Do volunteer work or join social groups where you're likely to meet people in your industry, cultivate those relationships and try and get advice from them. Also work your school heavily, both the career department and your peers/professors.

[Tellos Athenaios]

At the risk of suggesting something you tried already: city/urban planning departments might be worth a look. Perhaps a bit of a long shot, but you could try companies that sell GIS as well.

[Ibrahim]

yeah, I did give it a go: haven't had luck with that. besides, many of the jobs require a PhD and/or career field experience--neither of which I have. those that are left (few in number) I have long ago applied to.

and the career center is less than useless, and the Professors I've talked to have no advice for me: they tend to concern themselves with masters or PhD students. If anything, they're shocked I don't have a job, as all the other students I graduated with do. It's like I'm being singled out, only I'm not, because I'm the only one left without a job to my knowledge.

@ Tellos: already been there.

EDIT: actually, is anyone else here a geologist? maybe such a person might help set up a situation where I can find work.

[woad&fangs]

I graduated last month with a B.S. in Biology so I can sympathize with your situation.

If you are worried about the loans, have you tried getting them deferred due to unemployment?

As for finding a job itself, even if you don't think your professors are helpful, ask the ones you were close to if they would let you know of any opportunities they hear about that they think you would be good for. I have an interview soon for a job I only heard about because a professor I did research with was asked if he knew anyone who would be a good fit. Another thing is don't be afraid to apply for jobs where you don't fit every requirement. That interview I got? I didn't have the experience they "required" but I knew I had the skills they really wanted.

Another avenue you might want to explore is to use USAjobs.com like TinCow was talking about, but search for wildlife and biology related jobs. A lot of them are really just looking for a strong general science background and experience with GIS would be a major asset. It is a skill I lack and it has been majorly affecting what jobs I have been applying to.

I wish you the best of luck

[Crazed Rabbit]

Don't give up.

Like Tincow said, it can take a lot longer than 7 months to get a job, sadly.

Also, network, more. Bug professors about job opportunities and for letters of recommendation. See if there's geologist type meetings (chemical engineers have American Institute of Chemical Engineers local meetups, and there's more general engineering meetups as well.)

Finally - follow up the resumes you send (make sure to included custom cover letters as well). A call or email to the HR rep - or even better, whoever's in charge of the geologist department/hiring - to follow up definitely improves your chances. About a week or so after you send the resume.

That's all I can think of for now - but again, don't give up.

CR

[spankythehippo]

Do you have any work experience or internships? That really goes a long way. Employers tend to favour graduates with experience but lower marks than a graduate with high marks with no experience at all.

Finding a job to get that experience is tough, so internships are the way to go. But most internships are unpaid (I think).

I don't know if all that exists in the US, but I'm just putting it out there.

[Fragony]

It ain't no different here, a year is not unusual. My bro has a master in Marine technoligy, top of the class and a scholarship in Detroit (poor guy) but it took him 2 to find a proper (horribly underpayed) job, Odd since there is a huge demand for engineers.

[Ibrahim]

I don't know if all that exists in the US, but I'm just putting it out there.

I have work experience, but not in the fields I'm applying in.

@woad&fangs: I did, though it isn't going to last forever, and I can only get so many: part of the problem is that they charge you extra for having the "gall" to be unemployed (and it doesn't come from the interest). I'll give wildlife jobs a go, maybe it'll work out. I do have GIS experience--thankfully.

@ crazed rabbit: done all that, and needless to say, it doesn't seem to work: I followed up more than one job, where next day, I get a stupid letter from the same company telling me to go to heck. I mean, I'm not insulting them, I'm being polite, and AFAIK I'm doing everything right. had one idiot tell me they weren't responsible for hiring, even though it was clearly marked on the open position summary that they were. And yeah, I bug my professors all the time: if anything, the main adjectives I get used to describe me (to my face), are: 1-"bright", 2-"outgoing" and 3-"annoying", and I can assure you it is NOT in that order. (and don't worry, the annoying refers to how often I do as you suggest: they consider it a quiet week when I only send 1 letter, or show up once in the office.)

I mean, what does it say about a guy, when even minimum wage jobs won't even consider him? those I only need my name, SS number, and phone number, and maybe where I live.

[SwordsMaster]

Says nothing about you. Says more about the people who don't want to hire you.

This is going to sound odd, but the world is what it is: Is there anything on your CV that might play on some negative stereotype? Stuff like an 'ethnic' name (whatever that means), minority scholarships mentioned, or any other items that rich white dudes might see as unwelcome?

Secondly, this is the trap of pure science careers - PhDs are almost a requirement. Ask economists or physicists. Obviously not the only way to go. Have you tried grinds? I'm sure there are a lot of kids struggling with basic math, science, chemistry, etc that would pay a few bucks an hour to get better.

[Ibrahim]

Says nothing about you. Says more about the people who don't want to hire you.

This is going to sound odd, but the world is what it is: Is there anything on your CV that might play on some negative stereotype? Stuff like an 'ethnic' name (whatever that means), minority scholarships mentioned, or any other items that rich white dudes might see as unwelcome?

Secondly, this is the trap of pure science careers - PhDs are almost a requirement. Ask economists or physicists. Obviously not the only way to go. Have you tried grinds? I'm sure there are a lot of kids struggling with basic math, science, chemistry, etc that would pay a few bucks an hour to get better.

ethnic? well, my user name is my real name, if that's a clue. It's Arabic for "Abraham". it's not a stretch to figure out my ethnicity from there. One of the main professors I got my research experience from is Dr. Egenhoff--a German*. beyond that, nothing associated with minorities--unless you define people with a GPA greater than 3.5 (out of 4) as a "minority". And if foreign languages are required, you can guess what language I speak (it goes with the name).

and Geology isn't Physics or Economics: you can (usually) get a pretty decent job as a Geologist, armed with nothing but a bachelor's. My best friend I found out the other day is making 90,000$ starting off over at Schlumberger--he'd just graduated. There's a reason why there has been a spike in Geology major enrollments. That's one of the things that just makes me frustrated: I'm literally the only one with decent credentials coming out of the department who doesn't have a job--AFAIK. bear in mind, I only need work for a year, maybe two: I do plan on getting a PhD: my plan is to be a professor and consultant.

In any event: yes, I have tried finding a job as a tutor: I'll leave you to figure out where this is going.

*and believe me, I get that feeling too. Though what the heck business they have with me being an Arab is beyond me.

[Lemur]

This may not be the world's best advice, but: Grab a job. Any job, even if unrelated to your field. For reasons unknown to mortals, employers are much more keen on hiring a person who is employed than unemployed.

You might want to draw the line at, say, fast food, but that's about it. Show employers that you're doing something worthwhile with your time, even if it's packing boxes in a warehouse.

[Fragony]

This may not be the world's best advice, but: Grab a job. Any job, even if unrelated to your field. For reasons unknown to mortals, employers are much more keen on hiring a person who is employed than unemployed.

You might want to draw the line at, say, fast food, but that's about it. Show employers that you're doing something worthwhile with your time, even if it's packing boxes in a warehouse.

Best advice ever if you ask me

[Ibrahim]

This may not be the world's best advice, but: Grab a job. Any job, even if unrelated to your field. For reasons unknown to mortals, employers are much more keen on hiring a person who is employed than unemployed.

You might want to draw the line at, say, fast food, but that's about it. Show employers that you're doing something worthwhile with your time, even if it's packing boxes in a warehouse.

already doing that: I reference that in a few lines earlier (about Krogers).

[Tuuvi]

I've heard that the employers of low-skill jobs don't like to hire college graduates because they expect higher pay and won't stick around as long.

I have a friend that used to work at Wal-Mart, he said one day some middle-aged professional that had lost his job because of the economy turned in his resume, and the manager tossed it in the trash without even looking at it.

So I guess you could try leaving your college education off of your application, and see if that helps.

[Fragony]

I've heard that the employers of low-skill jobs don't like to hire college graduates because they expect higher pay and won't stick around as long.

I have a friend that used to work at Wal-Mart, he said one day some middle-aged professional that had lost his job because of the economy turned in his resume, and the manager tossed it in the trash without even looking at it.

So I guess you could try leaving your college education off of your application, and see if that helps.

True, overqualified

[aimlesswanderer]

I think we are still short of geologists due to our mining boom, though the jobs are normally in the middle of nowhere. Often fly in for a month, have 2 weeks off kind of jobs. Have you tried jobs in Canada? I think there is a fair amount of mining going on there.

Though moving out here would be quite a radical step, the pay is good.

Have you tried ringing companies directly?

Do you have good references, either from previous employers or lecturers?

It is hard to get a good job unless you have good connections or are really good/in high demand. I can only suggest persistence, following up applications by ringing (multiple times), and registering with recruitment agents. The first one is often the most difficult. Everyone wants experience, but few are willing to give it to you in the first place...

[Ibrahim]

that's Good, but I need a company from Down under that will actually take in entry level geologists: I haven't found any there. I have already done all the other things you suggest, but it doesn't seem to help one way or another.

[aimlesswanderer]

Hmm, well I'm afraid I don't know any more I'm afraid.

[Papewaio]

When I graduated in Exploration Geophysics oil price was down and gold was going below $300 dollars an ounce. 90% of exploration staff were layed off.

I still got work because i parlayed my farm life experience into practical field work.

Short Term:
So be prepared to take an entry level exploration job.
Your language skills may make it easier to work in the ME.
Get fit. I mean seriously fit. I spent 2hrs a day, 6 days a week in the gym between exploration contracts. Make sure you can hike for 10-12 hrs.
Send your resume and what you are looking for to all the usual suspects. Ie Rio Tinto, BHP, Schlumberger and the little exploration outfits. Email, cold call, visit their offices.
Look at even non-geo mining jobs as fillers as it will show industry interest.
Use seek.com.au

Long Term:
With your earnings pay off the debts. Mining is cyclical. In the down periods use your cash reserves to get educated.