Are you graduating soon and not fully satisfied with your resume? Unfortunately, as college students, we often think that the only content that belongs on our resume is those part-time jobs we've obtained over the years. As a result, we fail to realize the value that our simplest tasks would bring to our resumes. In this article, I provide a list of 4 simple ways that you can build your resume while still in college, because there are more ways to do so than you think.
1. Start your own website, social media page, or business based on your passions.
I've been trying to get my sister to do this for the longest time, and am still confused as to why she hasn't. No matter what your passion is, I can almost guarantee that it's something that deserves appreciation. If you're a writer, why not create a website that shares your ideas about how to approach the writing process? If you're an artist (like my sister), why not start an Instagram account that's entirely devoted to sharing your unique creations with the world?
As a matter of fact, someone that I currently work with decided to start a small business on Etsy that's entirely devoted to sharing her one-of-a-kind soap creations with others. Aside from making a decent amount of money from her soaps, she also has the constant satisfaction of knowing that she is making a positive difference in the realm of skincare.
All you have to do is find your passion, and then figure out a way to share it with the world.
2. Partake in volunteer work.
Before being employed at my first real job, I was a volunteer at two hospitals in Florida for an entire summer, including Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies and the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children. No, I didn't make any money from it. I did, however, get to have constant one-on-one interactions with people from a variety of different backgrounds, which made me more knowledegeable as a person.
Now that's something that employers and graduate schools will love in an applicant.
Again, base your volunteer opportunities on what you love to do. That way, you'll not only enjoy what you're doing, but you'll also be able to make a positive contribution to the community you choose to work with.
3. Start your own fundraiser for a cause of your choice.
So many college students do these, and I think the main reason why we fail to recognize fundraisers as resume-worthy experiences is because we confuse the money we raise with the values we gain.
Think about it. By starting a fundraiser, you're not only raising money in an attempt to make a positive difference in someone else's life, but you're also learning more about your potential, your interests, and your passions.
How impressive is that?!
4. Start your very own brand or clothing line.
If there's one quality that makes you unique, it's your one-of-a-kind personality! Why not start your very own brand or clothing line that expresses it? This is a trend that's actually very popular among YouTubers (Savannah LaBrant, LaurDIY, and MayBaby are just a few examples).
Some people even create their very own subscription boxes based on a particular theme or interest (check out Guava Juice on YouTube for some inspiration).
And no, it's NOT just a girl thing!
In sharing these 4 simple resume building opportunities, I hope you now have a better understanding of just how easy it is to make your resume even more impressive than it already is. It's all about learning to use your passions to contribute to the world around you while growing as an individual in the process.