Years of study, all-nighters, assignments, and exams are what gets you a college degree. Hard work and success at college are important. But it’s equally important to have an eye on the future as well. This becomes vital toward the end of your time at college.
If you want to use your college degree to get a good job, you need to plan. Well-paid jobs won’t just land in your lap. You must be prepared to put effort into securing your dream job. There are several strategies you can employ to put you ahead of the competition in the job market.
1. Work actively on your resumé
Don’t wait until after graduation to start exploring the job market. Many organizations welcome applications from students in their final year of college. Getting your foot in the door early can only be advantageous.
Before you even think about looking for jobs, you need to work on your resumé. Resumé writing is not as easy as slapping a list of your life history together. There are ways to write a resumé that is persuasive and that stand out. Since you’re new to the market, it would be wise to utilize resumé writing services to help you draft your resumé.
2. Take a holistic approach to college
It’s important to remember that you are in college to get an education. This education is not centered only around a degree. Colleges offer many other activities and opportunities for you. Join clubs or organizations, get involved in the governing of the institution, and exploit opportunities to expand your horizons.
If you engage in resumé writing services, give information about extra- and co-curricular activities you undertook while at college. The writer will have more information to work with to draw up an impressive resumé.
3. Keep up to date with jobs on offer
Subscribe to receive the latest job listings in your inbox each day. Utilize a variety of sources. Approach relevant employment agencies with your resumé. Check the newspapers too.
Jobs are listed on different platforms, so stay on top of all of them. Always have your resumé ready for an application. But don’t send out a generic resumé. Tweak it for each individual position.
4. Tap into your alumni network
Enquire at your college if there is an online alumni network database. Many alumni make their time available to coach and mentor graduates.
Other alumni are in strong positions in your field of study. You need to use a bit of finesse when approaching them. Phoning and asking for a job won’t do it.
You can request an appointment to discuss your prospects with such an alumnus. They may not be able to offer you a job but could give you good advice on how to proceed.
5. Keep your eye on industry trends
It’s critical that you are up to date on any policies, regulations, and legislation that cover your field of study. Latest news, trends, and statistics are also useful. Being on top of these factors can give you the edge in an interview or conversation with an industry player.
Use the college library or go online to access journals and publications. Look on social media for groups that you can join to access information. Follow the social media accounts of organizations that are industry leaders.
6. Check in with the Career Office
Colleges have a Career Office or a Placement Cell where you can get information about potential jobs after graduation. Some organizations may choose to make jobs available through the Careers Office for students about to graduate.
Career Offices offer career tests to help you if you’re still not 100% sure about what you want to do.
7. Put in the time
Approach organizations you would like to work for and ask to do an informational interview. This is an opportunity for you to ask all the questions you have about your chosen career. You’ll get real answers from those who work in the field.
This is a way for you to be sure about your career path. Additionally, if you ask good questions and show your competencies in the field, people are likely to remember you.
Ask to volunteer or do a part-time internship with an organization. You’ll get a good understanding of what the job is like as well as valuable work experience.
