Need some advice

[tpell1219]

Hi guys!
I graduated from TESU in June 2022 with a Dual BSBA of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration and HR/Organizational Management. Also two associates degrees in business administration and arts. 

I’m beyond frustrated. I have yet to find a job. It’s tough out there. I’ve paid for resume writers, used ATS scanners, adjusted every resume to the job I’m applying for. Believe me I’ve done it all. Networked on LinkedIn, made posts, used the fishbowl app, asked for referrals, etc. I have been ghosted by recruiters more times than I can count. I’ve attended interviews that went well only to be told that hiring needs have changed, I don’t have enough experience, lay offs occur, hiring freeze, etc. 

Two months ago my husband was diagnosed with cancer. I guess in a way it was a blessing that I wasn’t working so I could take care of him. I’m having surgery next month. I feel like it’s one thing after the next. Right now money is so tight. I can’t afford certifications right now. I’m considering taking out a loan for additional schooling. I’ve been looking into WGU’s BS HIM and MHA programs. Does anyone have any insight of these programs? Im anxious to make a move on one of these programs because I don’t want to waste my time and money. Does anyone have any advice regarding schooling? I’m not looking for advice on finding a job. I’ve been told by recruiters that I’m doing everything right and it’s just the job market. 

[bjcheung77]

Basically, it's not the schooling that is holding you up, you've got a strong package as it is already. I may be, as you mentioned, a few issues at hand. My suggestion is the BSBA is a business degree, with two AOS - Healthcare Admin & HR/Organizational Management. You don't need an extra HIM degree at the Bachelors level unless of course, you're going into HIM. The MHA is a ladder upwards, it's a good addition, only if you get a job that can pay that for you with tuition assistance or reimbursement since you're tight with cash flow right now.

If you want to get some certs/experience, you can always do the cheapies/freebies with Coursera that provide ACE credits, it'll help you with the IT/PM side of things... It's somewhat similar to HIM/MHA but at an intro to intermediate level, while you're working on these extra certs/credits, you can continue applying for positions... Last but not least, hope you and your family stay healthy and safe, you need to also use your time wisely with the hubby. Here's hope for a speedy recovery...

[rachel83az]

It's possible that your interview skills aren't as strong as you think they are. Perhaps you thought the interview went well, but the interviewer didn't think so. They will lie to your face that you're a shoe-in, then go hire someone else. It's just how things go.

Have you taken advantage of the TESU Career Development Center? https://www.tesu.edu/current-students/ca...ment/index

If you've completed any Google certificates, you get 1 year access to Big Interview: https://www.biginterview.com/ This will help ensure that you're giving the "correct" answers that interviewers are expecting.

[ss20ts]

I wouldn't go for another bachelor's degree. If anything, I'd consider a master's, but if you don't have work experience the master's may not help you either. Have you considered expanding the types of positions you're considering? Say instead of focusing just on healthcare admin positions, maybe look at HR or another field in business. It can be really challenging landing a job when you've been out of work for awhile. Have you looked into temp work or contract/consultant positions?

[bjcheung77]

That's correct, I would review advice here and find a direction you want to go in, when you're tight on cash flow, don't take out loans just for the Bachelors. I would even hold off for the Masters until you get into a full time position and have tuition assistance or reimbursement if possible.

My recommendation... Focus is to look at working either part time/temp work or through contracts, consulting, even maybe side hustles in fields you feel competent in... Here's an example of a lady who hit the jackpot, $143K yes, $143K a month with side hustles, that's $1.71 million a year.

This is the link, there are many more inspiring stories I've linked to before on both the sister board and this board as well: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/07/32-year-...arted.html

[jch]

I just graduated from TESU a few weeks ago, and I fear I might end up in your position. TESU is great for mid-career professionals with strong connections and experience who need a degree to advance. The institution also seems good for others wanting to get fast and cheap alt-credit based degrees. However, TESU doesn't provide much help gaining connections and experience if you don't bring them to the table. Unlike some other universities, there aren't any significant internship or co-op programs, job fairs, or other referral pathways. The new career services person is great for figuring out resumes and LinkedIn, but that only goes so far. Thus, TESU students without a plan need to build their own career picture.
As a younger person just entering the professional workforce, I knew I'd have to do more than just get a degree. I successfully found and completed several internships and fellowships. However, they weren't directly relevant to what I'll likely do next as a career and they didn't lead to ongoing relationships. I didn't get the chance to take on more pertinent experience because the timing and situations didn't work out.
Now, I'm done with college but don't know what's next. Of course I'm attending job fairs, speaking with recruiters, applying to positions, etc. Nine months of that hasn't led anywhere useful. None of the opportunities I pursued went terribly far. Roles are closed, the company goes another direction, budget is cut, recruiter ghosts, went with someone else, etc. I'm also limited by my health; many jobs aren't suitable for me or want me to move away from my support system.
I have two paths forward I'm considering. First is moving on to graduate school, while strongly pursuing relevant internships. Stretching out my status as a student will let me continue to be eligible for intern roles and other similar opportunities. I can do that for free via the Thunderbird program. This time around, I'll focus on positions with pathways that resonate for me.
Next is pivoting to a more freelance/entrepreneurial/independent career strategy. Thanks to the internet, it's possible to carve out your own niche business online.

[natshar]

Hi guys!
I graduated from TESU in June 2022 with a Dual BSBA of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration and HR/Organizational Management. Also two associates degrees in business administration and arts. 

I’m beyond frustrated. I have yet to find a job. It’s tough out there. I’ve paid for resume writers, used ATS scanners, adjusted every resume to the job I’m applying for. Believe me I’ve done it all. Networked on LinkedIn, made posts, used the fishbowl app, asked for referrals, etc. I have been ghosted by recruiters more times than I can count. I’ve attended interviews that went well only to be told that hiring needs have changed, I don’t have enough experience, lay offs occur, hiring freeze, etc. 

Two months ago my husband was diagnosed with cancer. I guess in a way it was a blessing that I wasn’t working so I could take care of him. I’m having surgery next month. I feel like it’s one thing after the next. Right now money is so tight. I can’t afford certifications right now. I’m considering taking out a loan for additional schooling. I’ve been looking into WGU’s BS HIM and MHA programs. Does anyone have any insight of these programs? Im anxious to make a move on one of these programs because I don’t want to waste my time and money. Does anyone have any advice regarding schooling? I’m not looking for advice on finding a job. I’ve been told by recruiters that I’m doing everything right and it’s just the job market

what types of jobs are you applying for? I’m just curious. 


Also before you make any moves read “Entry Level Boss” by Alexa Shoen. This book flips everything you know about job search on its head. The book is like $10 and can be finished in a day or two. Read that before you drop thousands on another degree. It is THE BEST job search advice book I’ve come across. And this is coming from someone who was in your shoes. Went on 30 interviews in 30 days, submitted 90 applications in 30 days, etc.

[rachel83az]

#ENTRYLEVELBOSS may also be available through your local library. I have the audiobook available through Libby at one library and the print version at a different one. I also have the audiobook available through Hoopla. And the text version through CloudLibrary. Three different physical libraries.

[bjcheung77]

It's great you're getting advice and recommended pathways, one thing to note is not to rush yourself into getting a job. If the job doesn't suit you properly or isn't the right type of job for you. You may want to take a look at HR/Organizational Management jobs at Amazon, UPS, whatever companies that jump to mind and apply to them even though they may not be actively listing them, it can be companies big and small, you can send them your details or a link to your social media that has your resume. You just want to get your info out there to prospective companies, some might not be hiring but may notice they may need someone sooner or later and your info just pops up at the right time... You're not going to do a mass blast of your info to people, you're actively sending it to companies you're interested in and maybe local, or niche markets, etc...

[tpell1219]

I’ve been applying to everything from find. Mostly healthcare related. Epic analyst, healthcare coordinator, healthcare manager, transformation analyst, clinical analyst, among many other types. Thank you for the recommendation!!