College, you'll find out, won't be just parties, lectures, and days out with your friends. At some point, you'll start looking for new opportunities that'll get you closer to your dream career. Whether it's business, science, the arts, humanities, cultures, or any other major, most people will agree that having an internship, co-op, or volunteer position in your college journey will do wonders for you. This may be the chance you needed to acquire hands-on experience, work with field professionals, further your research, or even get your foot in the door at your future workplace. In the last three years, I've had 3 internships, 3 elective board club positions, and volunteer jobs that helped me get my last internship. These experiences advanced my potential and knowledge, and every student deserves the same chance. I started at Step One and want to give you advice on how to start your search and locate hidden opportunities.
1. Your School Careers Site
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If it's your first time looking for an internship, volunteer position, co-op, or a part-time job in your field, you may benefit from pumping your resume at your college campus. Staying local lowers your stress and keeps you in contact with your college's faculty. Every college has a Careers or Student Employment website you can find easily. There's hundreds of jobs in student involvement, restaurants and bookstores, Student Government, museums, offices, and libraries. Look for jobs that relate somehow to your education or interests.
2. Your Major's Department and Teachers
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Your teachers and professors are always available to help you. They've worked in the jobs you want and have met incredible people in their network circles. If you show you're a good student or have a passion in your major, they'll be excited to offer some suggestions. Maybe they know an expert that needs a research assistant? Or a videographer that wants local students' help? Or maybe they know City Hall is about to work on a new program? You'll find out that they know about unusual opportunities that haven't been advertised yet.
3. Facebook and LinkedIn
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You'll be looking for positions online a lot! One place you'd never think of before is Facebook. If you follow organizations, companies, or professionals on FB, make sure to get their notifications. Some companies and professionals' social media will post when they have new opportunities available to the public. I've seen some teachers post co-op jobs on their page for students to find and share. If you don't have a LinkedIn page, start now! Not only will recruiting companies find you, but you can follow professionals and companies on the latest news and job postings.
4. Campus Bulletin Boards and Emails
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Don't skip the paper ads and email newsletters from your school! They have new job opportunities and volunteer positions that need attention. In fact, our Note-a-Bull newsletter has an abundance of campus organizations marketing their activities and benefits. The Honors College email newsletter features internships and research opportunities every week. Even the bulletin boards have great information about getting involved in research and networking events.
5. Monster.Com, Indeed.Com, and More!
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Checking on job websites will seem like your new part-time job. This is normally where you'll find opportunities in the city or out-of-state. Make sure to check back every week or so for new opportunities. You're not the only one looking for a job and it can get competitive! But keep an eye out for scams that just want to hire college students for free labor.
6. Institution and Company Websites
Do you have thoughts about where you want to work? Do you know any companies or institutions in the city? Check out their sites! You never know when your dream workplace is hiring students for volunteers or small jobs. Go to their Involvement or Careers page and look for anything you can. You might find secretary or assistant positions, docent jobs, research participation, or volunteer events that will get you face-to-face with professionals.
7. Professional Network Sites
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If you're deep into looking for career routes, you'll find out many businesses and professionals are apart of national and international networks. This may be by what graduate or trade schools are connected, what the field is, the location, or the opportunities and causes. Your sorority or fraternity may even have connections. Look up schools and companies that are a part of a network and go on their sites. It opens new doors to working at universities that accept students from all over.
8. Your Friends and Family!!!
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This is the easiest one: the people already around you. They know your interests better than a stranger looking at your resume. This is especially true if you have the same major or interests. They may have had a job somewhere you'd like to work or know someone hiring. They can tell you about the position, warn you about the things they didn't like, and put in a good word for you in the future. Who else will help you better?
Remember, you may not get your dream job on the first try. If not, don't feel defeated. Check out your college's careers office and ask them to look over your resume or practice interviews. Move onto the next job opportunity and give it your best shot! Most of all, have confidence in what you want and chase after those opening doors. This is your chance to push yourself towards your dreams!
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