Spring is just around the corner, and for many of us that means graduation! Your degree has been years in the making, and finally it is within your grasp, but is a career? The truth is that there is no guarantee your degree will get you a career right after graduation. So what can you do? It is never too late to build that résumé and network! This is the Ultimate College Pre-Graduation Checklist to land you that dream job:
1. Intern:
Check out student internships through your university before you graduate. Although internships are rarely paid when you are a student, employers understand you are busy and will be more flexible with you. You can even intern right here through The Odyssey like me! If English is not your strong suit, don't panic. Check out your university's local listings or Chegg's internship service. Why should I intern? An internship can provide you with experience specific to your degree's skill sets. According to Forbes, 60 percent of the time a paid internship will land you a job offer. Wow!
2. Volunteer:
Your odds of landing a job increase by 27 percent when you volunteer. Start volunteering early: what can make your résumé look even better is the longevity because it shows you are committed. It is so easy to volunteer and you can do it in your own time. You can check out VolunteerMatch to get paired with a local organization you care about or join a club at your university and help with an event. How often should I volunteer? You should aim for once a week, but ultimately do what is convenient for you.
3. Network online:
If you don't have a LinkedIn then 93 percent of job recruiters are missing out on everything you have to offer. LinkedIn is the newest way to market yourself. You can upload your résumé, work experience, and skills all in one location for employers to look at. How do I make my LinkedIn professional? It can be a bit overwhelming to use, so look for workshops at your university through the career service center to perfect your LinkedIn.
4. Network with alumni:
The rumors are true: who you know matters. You can easily expand whom you know by connecting with your university alums. How can I find alumni willing to help me? Contact your university's career services or alumni association to get paired with that special alum who wants to get your foot in the door. A lot of universities will hold events to network with many alumni at once. Not only will an alumni be an instant connection for job opportunities, they will also be a valuable reference in the future. Don't forget to brag about yourself either!
5. Go to a career fair:
If you have not been to a career fair at your university you are missing out on a HUGE resource to landing a career, not just a job. Career fairs are a great way to network within the job community and will put into perspective what careers are available with your degree. When is my university's next career fair? Once again, use your university's career resource center to learn more about upcoming career fairs. I mean, it only makes sense to use a resource your tuition helps pay for.
6. Don't rely on the Internet:
While nowadays it is easier to job search online and apply online, most job offers are not advertised online: 80 percent to be exact. This is when you need to go out of your online comfort zone and career search in person. Start handing out résumés and introduce yourself to companies that interest you because even if they are not currently hiring, you will be the first one they call when a position opens up. What else can I do offline? Continue to build your network because once a position opens you will be first to know. And do not be afraid to call especially if the company is not local! Showing a company you are confident using the phone can help you land a job. It is one of the many soft skills employers want in new hires.
7. Believe in yourself:
Do not give up on landing your dream career. Believe in yourself! You have acquired so many skills these past few years and you have gotten so far. Tell that next interviewer what makes you awesome and show off a little. There is nothing shameful about your accomplishments, so flaunt them! Check out these Forbes tips to help you nail your next interview (and don't forget to smile)!
