The job market is very confusing for millennials but employers seem to be saying that they are looking for a combination of “soft” (interpersonal/communication) skills and “hard” (technical/occupational) skills. They want to hire hard-working, personable, knowledgeable, self-starting, organized problem-solvers. Does this surprise anyone? Think about it; what traits make you a better employee, team member or project leader? The necessary skills can only be gained by putting your knowledge to work. Don’t wait until you graduate from college to start gaining experience. Go out and seek internships, get part-time jobs, job shadow, volunteer, start your own business…be pro-active. Figuring out what kind of work you like, or don’t like, can teach you a lot about yourself and the business world. At the same time, you will be crafting a resume of experience to show future employers.

Eric Pianin’s FiscalTimes article, “The Surprising Reason College Grads Can’t Get a Job.” reports “There is more demand for skill and education, and young people have less skill and experience than the typical worker,” Rory O’Sullivan, the policy and research director of the Young Invincibles, an advocacy group, said recently. ‘We don’t do a very good job of training them out of school to be prepped and ready to go.’ ”

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101373230

So, what are you waiting for? The only way to move your life forward is to take the first step.