For many students, leaving school to enter the job market can mean a bewildering number of possibilities and decisions.

“Most of us don't know what we're going to have for dinner tonight, so why would we expect 22-year-old students to know what they want to do with the rest of their lives?” says Lisa Brockhoff, associate director of Career Development Programs at Creighton University's Career Center in Omaha.

This year — with a sour economy and high unemployment — presents a difficult choice for students unsure about their future: Should a graduate hold out for her ideal job? Or pursue any offer that can be found?

In the view of Courtney Hanson, assistant director of the Career Services Center at Marquette University, students need to keep matters in perspective.

“It may take longer to find a job, but if you approach your job search seriously by learning what you need to do and then making a plan to accomplish your goals, you will be successful,” she says.

“If you are unsure of your career goals, it only makes the process that much more difficult to navigate, no matter the state of the economy.”

Hanson says she hears more and more examples of students who are aware of the state of the economy and taking action to be better prepared through methods like career training classes and assessment.

According to Brockhoff, the first hurdle for career-seeking students to jump is a lack of exposure.

“Students lack knowledge about careers. They're knowledgeable about school, it is something they've done all their life,” Brockhoff says. “They don't realize that figuring out what you want to do needs to be like a research project.”

The easiest method is to dive into opportunities. Rather than waiting for the perfect job to find you, Brockhoff says, it's important to take responsibility for your career direction. She recommends taking it in small steps by thinking shorter-term.

“I tell students that they don't have to know what they're going to be doing in 10, 15 and 20 years from now,” Brockhoff says. “Students should think about their career development in short increments.”

She says students should remember that many factors will influence their careers as they get started. These likely will take them in directions they never imagine or anticipate. Though it may seem obvious, Hanson recommends students seek jobs that fit their interests rather than pushing areas they “should” pursue. Then experiment with internships to build skills and obtain practical experience.

“You don't have to know exactly what you want to do, just start trying out different fields so you can continue to refine your list of career options,” Hanson says. “If you can't find a paid internship, offer to intern for someone as a volunteer. The experience you gain will be the payoff.”

To avoid this post-graduation uncertainty before it starts, Hanson recommends that current students meet frequently with their college career counselors. For those who have graduated, resources still exist. Consider checking out your alma mater's alumni association, local job coaching agencies or even free classes at the public library.

Remember that career uncertainty doesn't need to be negative — it can mean exciting options that a one-track mind might miss.

“Students don't need to worry about it, they should embrace it,” Brockhoff says.

“Take the opportunity to learn about careers and different career fields to determine the best option,” she says. “And be excited to explore possibilities.”