Have the MBA degree but have never worked a job? What should I do? Thanks

[dmjacobsen]

First of all -- congrats on achieving a Master's degree (on top of two Bachelor's degrees) at age 22. That's impressive beyond words.

Having said that, you're 22 and you have no work experience, so it's going to be VERY difficult to find a job that demands the level of education that you have. I don't think you necessarily need to relegate yourself to minimum wage jobs, but you may have to take on a job that isn't the one that you want. You're going to have to pay your dues. Credentials are fantastic, but you need some experience to back those credentials up before an employer invests their time in you.

The flip side to that is that, yes, you're overqualified for many of those low-level jobs that will give you good experience. I'd suggest leaving the MBA off of your application for that assistant manager job at Office Depot. But, apply for that job. Get that job. Be a rockstar for a year or two and then apply for a manager job in your field of interest.

If you want to work in a specific industry, see if there is any availability for an internship or volunteer opportunity. For example, if you'd like to break into healthcare administration, see if one of your local hospital systems has an opening for a volunteer in their business office. Spend 12 hours a week volunteering for a little while, network and get to know managers and executives. Once they're comfortable with you and discover that you have the credentials that you have, you'll likely get a decent entry-level job in administration making far above minimum wage.