How to Find Jobs for Dropouts or Low-Performing Fresh Graduates

With the current job market in Malaysia becoming increasingly competitive and challenging, applying for jobs can be intimidating. This is true not only for fresh graduates, but even for those with years of professional experience. But perhaps, it is even more daunting for fresh graduates with a low GPA (grade point average) or those who dropped out of school altogether. The good news is that we now have countless examples of noteworthy individuals who went beyond academic smarts and used their creativity and other soft skills to find success in their own way.

Before we go any further, we also have to consider the realities surrounding first-time jobseekers today. According to the Education Ministry, over 20,000 Malaysian students dropped out of school during the months of March 2020 to July 2021. This is just one of the direct impacts of the pandemic that we continue to grapple with. As such, if you stopped schooling, especially because of the pandemic, do not be too hard on yourself. Do you find yourself repeatedly wondering, “What can I do if I drop out of college?” Find comfort in the fact that all is not lost for you professionally!

If you are driven to find work at this point, there are still available jobs for dropouts where you can find your footing on. The road will definitely be extra challenging, and you will need to work extra hard. But there are steps you can take to bring yourself closer to positive career prospects.

Develop skills through training, short courses, and workshops.

Just because you stopped school doesn’t mean you also have to stop learning. There are still many other ways for you to expand your current skills and learn new ones. Sure, they are not substitutes for a college degree. But, they will still give you the best chance of being knowledgeable and capable enough for the jobs you apply to.

That said, be on the lookout for alternative learning opportunities that are either related to your field of choice or career path. This is also your chance to learn more digital skills to future-proof your career, if you haven’t yet. You can also look for jobs that don’t require a degree and look for training, short courses, and workshops that will prepare you for them. There are now many online resources for this, so take advantage of them!

Build experience with internships.

Even if you had to make the difficult decision to drop out of college, try looking for internship opportunities to help you obtain real-life experience. Likewise, you can supplement your educational qualifications with internships even if you graduated as a low performing student. Employers are always looking for promising fresh graduates who can work independently and are willing to learn on the job. Take this as an opportunity to take in as much industry knowledge as possible. If you are able to perform well, your internship may even lead to a full-time job!

What if they ask about your low GPA or status as a dropped out student? You can be as honest as you can and explain your situation as best as possible. However, try to redirect the conversation to your willingness to keep learning outside school and obtain valuable work experience through their internship program.

Consider freelancing.

Much of the world turned to freelancing when the pandemic happened, either to supplement their finances or address local unemployment. Fortunately, there are many freelance jobs for dropouts and fresh graduates, both local and abroad. Many clients also do not require degrees for jobs like virtual assistants, illustrators, or appointment setters. If you are having difficulty looking for full-time or on-site jobs, consider this a feasible option.

However, make sure that you’re extra vigilant when searching and applying for freelance jobs online. Scams and fraudulent job ads are everywhere, so make sure you’re browsing on reputable job sites like JobStreet. Do not give sensitive or personal information straight away. Always check for employer or client reviews first. Join freelancer communities as well to get some tips on how to avoid scams and land the best opportunities out there.

Turn to your passions and interests.

Don’t know where to begin? Let your passions and interests be your guide for your next steps from this point on. It is almost always easier to find a way to break into a field or industry if you are already passionate about it. That said, it may surprise you to find out that some jobs for dropouts and those that don’t require a degree are actually related to your interests.

For example, if you are passionate about coffee, why not try enrolling in a short barista course and apply in your community coffee shops? If you were good at hosting and public speaking during your college days, why not try hosting online conferences and Zoom events? If you have a knack for graphic design and illustrations, why not take commissions as a freelance gig? To help you gain confidence, look for people who made careers out of their passions and study how they were able to do it. Don’t be afraid to ask!

Cultivate and highlight your transferable skills.

This is perhaps one of the most overlooked yet vital parts of your career path. Technical skills and academic standing will indeed give you an edge in your job applications. However, many Malaysian companies have also started to place a bigger value on the so-called transferable skills. So, whether you are yet to land your first job or have started to move up to bigger roles, it’s important that you are also constantly evaluating and cultivating these soft skills.

Take this time to gain a better understanding of your transferable skills and how you can use them to your advantage. For starters, you can create a transferable skills checklist to see where you currently stand, what you can improve, and what you can add. If you do manage to land an internship or find a training opportunity, take note of the transferable skills that you can pick up there. Being mindful of additional skills will allow you to become a well-rounded professional in the future.

Once you are confident with your transferable skills, the next step is to highlight them in your resume. Complement this with techniques for writing a resume for jobseekers without work experience to give yourself the best chance of attracting employers.

Summary

These are just a few of the ways you can find a fulfilling job even without a degree or a high GPA. Other ideas include finding mentors, volunteering, and taking advantage of your social media expertise and interests. The traditional route may not have worked for you, but that does not mean a fruitful career is out of your reach. Every day is an opportunity for learning and self-improvement, both of which will be beneficial for you. So, the next time you find yourself asking, “What can I do if I drop out of college,” remind yourself that there are plenty of options!

Ready to take your best shot at today’s job opportunities? #LetsGetToWork and create or update your JobStreet profile today. Finally, make sure to check out the Career Resources hub as well for more tips on job searching, self-improvement, and career advancement!