For many college graduates, the slowly recovering economy has made that first step into the real world a real doozy. The bottom line is that many grads are lucky to find any job, let alone a job that pays what they hoped they’d be making right out of college. The Associated Press reports that 53.6 percent of college graduates under the age of 25 last year were either jobless or underemployed. But to those college grads with a “buck up” attitude, you can use this time to focus on personal growth and develop the portable skills that can be formed in any job and will serve you throughout your career. These include building relationships, communication, entrepreneurial thinking, and more.

The portable skills you develop now will shape your voice as a professional at a time when you still have a lot to learn. With this skill set, you’ll be able to transition more smoothly when you do land your dream job.

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