Remember when US News &World Report reported there was a three percent increase in surveyed employers that said they intended to hire more college graduates this year? I do. And have I seen that increase firsthand with my soon-to-be graduating friends? Not really.
It’s difficult for graduates to find a job immediately after receiving their diplomas these days. I think this is a blessing in disguise though, one of which many have found to be true. The poor job market has opened many doors for college graduates to be creative and launch their own ventures.
As you’ve read before, I recently launched my own non-profit organization that sells handmade hankies, jewelry, purses and more from the Mayan community in Yucatan, Mexico. The mission of my venture, MY Hankies is to alleviate poverty and raise awareness about child labor.
Often times, the crafts that are sold to tourists in the Mayan archeological sites are actually made in China and are sold by children who receive no reward in return for their sales. The products that are sold at my online store, powered by Shopify, are handmade by the Mayan women. For many of them, these crafts are the only way they can make a living and support their families. Additional funds from my sales are pledged to the foundation that sends me the crafts and provides social services to these women directly.
While I’ve created my own venture, it can’t exactly be my “full-time” job at the moment and support me as a soon-to-be college grad. But, I’m hoping it will be someday in the future!
My organization would not have been possible without the help of Shopify, though. When I first had the idea to create MY Hankies, it gave me a headache just thinking about how I was going to create my own online store. Using Shopify helped me think of all the facets that go into creating your own business. It also keeps everything very organized for you. Like I’ve said before, I’m no computer whiz here. Creating your own online store with Shopify is definitely possible for the average entrepreneurial collegiette ™.
So if you’re about to graduate and are sans job, explore your imagination and apply your talents with Shopify. Be your own boss after graduation! And, if you start your own store now, you’re eligible for a contest with tons of awesome prizes that will put your business ahead of the game!
Let me know if you have any questions below!