Making My Meagre Skills Employable

[onomotopeia]

It is always encouraging to see the clear headed comments that people on this site give. I am currently in an employment funk that I am hoping some people could shed light on.

Earlier, I wrote about finding my skills. Right now, I am trying to figure out how I can make my skills and experience employable.

So my situation: I just finished my mph (a master's in public health) at a competitive college. I have research experience. The degree presumably sets me up to work in research, consulting or administration.

I am trying to transition either to policy, clinical work (psych or medicine) or teaching. While I figure that out, I want a job that I can succeed at and that pays.

Here's the catch:

Interviewing, creating surveys and organizing certain papers are not consistent skills for me now. While there might be a learning curve for me, I cannot rely on that at the moment.

All the jobs that pay me enough are in the categories I listed and which I struggle with.

I've tried to find instructor positions but those are few.

So, I am trying to brainstorm other ideas but am stuck...

I know much of this depends on leveraging people in my field.

But do people here have ideas of becoming employable? Or finding ways to leverage resources in my field?

Thanks

-O

[Kurtzilla]

Network, Network, Network. I lost my upper management job last fall due to the failing economy. Thirty minutes after I got home, my phone was ringing with competitors wanting to talk. I landed a new Job within 3 weeks after being let go. The key is to always network and be confident in yourself and your talents. Maintain relationships and respect everyone in your field and before your know it, doors will continue to open. Remember, You Are What You Think.

[onomotopeia]

I honestly don't know who to network with. Research positions have clearer networking paths. But instructing and other positions are few.

[Medea33]

Originally Posted by onomotopeia

I honestly don't know who to network with. Research positions have clearer networking paths. But instructing and other positions are few.

You say you just graduated from a competitive college. Is there not a placement office? Alumni services? Career development?

Actually, your best bet is probably some sort of career development that includes a battery of tests designed to tease out your skills. I'm guessing an objective view is probably a more accurate gauge of your capabilities than your opinions of yourself, so that's where I'd start.

[cacheborn]

I don't know if you can still edit the post. Please remove the word meager and replace it by Awesome.

[Martin S]

What do you like to do?