The deadline is approaching, and by deadline I am not referring to an assignment. Instead I am talking about the conclusion to another semester. For some this means the end of an academically challenging four years, and for others it means the advancement through the collegiate ranks. No matter what category you are in, there is only one thing on your mind: Employment. This could mean a new career for graduates or an internship for those who remain. There is no easy way to get yourself in the door of your dream job, unless you are well acquainted with an established personnel, and in that case more power to you! But for the rest of us, we can employ a few simple tactics that will set us apart from the expansive pool of applicants.
Ask Yourself: Where Would I Fit In?
First off, this may seem like a trivial question, but this is an important aspect of looking for jobs. There are a multitude of job opportunities out there, however each one of them offers a different environment. Be sure to look into the culture of the company and make sure their values are in line with yours. Debra Auerbach from Career Builder states, “Corporate culture is an important factor one must take into consideration when not only contemplating a job offer but also when applying for jobs.” If you feel that working with men and women who don’t care what your name is and mandatory overtime is just the nature of the beast is definitely not your style, than look into a different company. Once you are able to narrow that down, you will have options that will fit with your set of values and will make you a more viable applicant. Now that you have an idea of the type of environment you would enjoy working in, the next step is to find men and women in that industry.
Network, Network, and Network Some More
This is a word that you may have heard once or twice throughout your college career, and that is because it is one of the best ways to obtain an “in” with a company or industry. Meeting with professionals in the field you are interested in presents you with the opportunity to not only know someone, but allows you to hear first hand accounts on what that position, company, or industry is truly like. Herminia Ibarra and Mark Lee Hunter with the Harvard Business Review explain, “Through professional associations, alumni groups, clubs, and personal interest communities, managers gain new perspectives that allow them to advance in their careers.” Networking may seem like an intimidating task, but the rewards are endless and you never know whose business card you are going to get! There is, however, one last piece of the puzzle for post grad or internship employment: The resume.
Use The Resources At Hand
Writing the resume. This is a task that may not excite you, but is absolutely necessary for a decent job. However, if you are reading this post, you already have a multiple resources at your disposal that will help you develop a professional resume. Longwood University provides students with the University Career Center. The UCC has staff that will sit down with you and your existing resume and make corrections that will grab the attention of industry leaders. They also have various resources that will help guide you on your journey for the perfect job out of college and the perfect internship. Susan Adams with Forbes Magazine reveals, “In the best case scenario, the office will connect you with an alum who works in your field of interest who will help you get a job.” With the alumni connections and resume assistance, the perfect opportunity is at your fingertips; all you have to do is ask!
The quest for a job or internship can be a stressful time, but it does not have to be. Research, networking, and the utilization of resources are three first steps that will help aid you in the process and lead you to the opportunity meant for you.