If you are a current college student, you should be thinking about your life after college, no matter whether you are a freshman or a senior. Although it can be easy to lose sight of this in the midst of socializing and extracurricular activities, the primary objective of college is to help you enter a meaningful career that meets your financial needs. In spite of this intended objective, it can be notoriously difficult to land your first job after college. However, with some thoughtful planning and help from the GeeklyHub experts, you can take steps now to set yourself up for post-graduation success.
1. Get A Handle On Your Social Media Accounts
It’s almost a guarantee that potential employers will search for your social media accounts to get a sense of who you are. An Instagram filled with boozy, scantily clad days won’t make the best impression. One strategy is to utilize privacy settings or an alternate name to keep employers from finding you. However, not having visible social media profiles could also put you at a disadvantage, because it is possible to leverage social media for professional connections. For example, you could use Twitter to follow accounts of organizations whose work you are interested in or companies where you might seek employment. This can help you stay on top of new developments and may even allow you to connect with members of an organization. Additionally, a well-curated Twitter feed with consistent reposting from reputable news sources could be an advantage for a job candidate in the field of journalism, for instance.
The earlier you start this, the better. Consider keeping one social media account for personal use; you can make this account private, and share things only with your friends. Facebook is a good option for this. Then, maintain your other social media accounts in a professional manner so you can utilize them for networking.
2. Rigorously Pursue Internships
Internships during college are one of the best resume boosters. They can help you network and get your foot in the door. If you make a good impression on a company as an intern, they’re much more likely to hire you after college. In order to find internships, visit your college’s career services department. Many will have lists of internship opportunities, some which may be specific to your college. You could also utilize internship-finder websites such as https://www.internships.com or https://www.wayup.com.
Remember that internships are competitive, so cast a wide net for the best chance of success. Never put all your eggs in one basket for an internship that sounds perfect; apply for as many as you possibly can. If you are called for an interview, research the company as thoroughly as possible; showing you’ve done your homework and know about where you’re applying will go a long way towards making a positive impression.
3. Create And Maintain A LinkedIn Page
LinkedIn is a social networking site for professionals. Even though you’re not a working professional yet, you soon will be, so it’s a good idea to start building your network now. You can connect with your professors, graduate TAs, peers, or guest lectures. Later on, these connections may help you find a job! LinkedIn is a leading platform for job recruiting, and you may be surprised by the employment offers that come to you simply because you create and consistently update a professional LinkedIn profile.
4. Take Jobs That Are Related To What You’re Interested In
Even if the job is low-paying or offers no payment, a job related to your field of interest will add more value to your resume than a job that has no relevance to your desired career field. If you’re interested in becoming a social worker, why spend the summer working at Burger King? A position as a camp counselor would give you much more relevant experience, and would probably be a lot more fun. For a great source of summer jobs that cover room, board, and possibly a living stipend while also providing a wide-range of experiences, check the website CoolWorks.
5. Spend Time Thinking About What You Want Your Professional Life To Look Like
You may be perfectly suited for a 9–5 office job. Or, you may want to work remotely. You might want to work in multiple locations, or work for only part of the year. No matter what you desire, there’s a job that fits your style. Figuring this out early on can save you years of slogging through jobs that make you miserable. Quizzes or “interest profiler” tools may help you narrow down a possible career path. For example, try this resource from Studentaid.gov.
Landing a job after college doesn’t have to be overwhelming. No matter where you’re at in the college journey, start implementing these GeeklyHub tips now to reduce the stress of the post-college job search.
