KJ MacKenzie ⋅ Cincinnati, OH ⋅ 15 years experience

Hi Arnold, I had similar issue with a Buis Degree. When I got a PC certification ( Microsoft Certified Pro a.k.a. MCP) that got me thru the door into the IT world. There are a lot of PC skills out there that dont need too much to learn - 3-6 months for some of these and you can get into the door. E.g. Informatica is an ETL tool that has 2500+ listings on dice.con com last time I checked. Do some research first. Work with a librarian - I mean the one who has the 4 year degree in Library science to help you research what are practical and in-demand skills - very important because some skills become obsolete and you are back to square one,
All the best!
KJM

Joe Gargiulo ⋅ Kings Park, NY Liberty Mutual ⋅ 28 years experience

One way to leverage your degree is to join the alumni association of your college and seek out executives and/or recruiters who also graduated from your college.

Walt Overfield ⋅ Virginia Beach, VA United Healthcare ⋅ 15 years experience

Arnold,
Retail is part of the business field. Does your current employer have any opportunities where your can advance toward your long term goals or do you need to find another retail position with better advancement opportunities?
The business field includes retail, wholesale, sales, marketing, advertising, manufacturing, research, finance, and much more. Focus on the part of business you want to serve and focus on the industries that meet your long term needs. For example, Medical Finance in a health insurance company. Consider joining a professional association where members share your business focus. Finally, focus on the 25 best companies that meet all of your long term needs and network with the managers at these companies.
Finally, work on your marketing plan. What do you want to sell? Who are your customers? What is your 7-second marketing message (networking message - "I'm looking for an entry level business finance position with a bank in the Philadelphia area")? what is your 1 hour sales presentation (job interview questions and answers)?
Look at your retail customers. You provide the best service and the most choices to those customers that know what they want and why they are there. Shop for your next job just like a great customer!
Good Luck!

Erron Boes ⋅ Bothell, WA U.S. Air Force Reserve, Senior Airman ⋅ 6 years served

Hi Arnold,

I'm going to be honest with you man, where you received your degree only matters in what you want to do, and the value that that employer places on it. The fact you have your degree gets you further than without it but it doesn't translate to value to the employing organization unless you can translate what you've learned, and what you've done into a currency that the employer is willing to buy.... period. So, narrow down what you're good at (ask friends, former coworkers, classmates) and look for positions that are looking for those 'values' (always gets the job done on-time, takes initiative in coordinating the project, has shown to be a leader in our team accomplishing X) and translate these pieces into how/why you will make a difference to that hiring organization. Do not focus on where you received your degree, focus instead on how that degree has prepared, equipped, engaged you to accomplish, solve or improve some element(s) of their company or business unit. Lastly, come at the position with humility. Nothing is more frustrating than a graduate who believes they should be paid X, with these benefits, with Y amount of holidays etc. Remember what it was like in boot camp and each successive military step. If you treat the civilian job the same you'll do great!

Arnold Daroy ⋅ Philadelphia, PA U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 4 years served

Hello Tom,

I received my degree from the University of Baltimore, which locally is known as a good institution, but outside isn't really known. And come to think of it that might be my problem because I currently live in Philadelphia.

But to answer your other questions I have utilized career resources at my school and other places as well to no avail. I also have applied to a range of entry level jobs from positions in banking, administration, personnel, and clerical. And to be honest I would be happy to break into any of those career fields now.

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

What do you think about reading "What Color Is Your Parachute - 2014 edition""?

Where did you earn the degree?

How are you using your college's resources? (career center, alumni network, staff, local alumni clubs, etc.)

What are your career goals? Geographic, field, role, etc.

Can you provide specific job listings that interest you?