What's the biggest mistake of college students and graduates? Waiting until they've graduated to develop themselves professionally.
You're stuck, they won't hire you because you have no experience and you can't get experience because no one will hire you, and you didn't give professional development a thought until now.
"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." -Ben Franklin
If you've waited until you graduated to start... you're at a big disadvantage, though whether you're a college freshman or graduated, it's never too late to start.
- Join a Job Search engine. They will send you updates of local job profiles available in your field. It'll help you figure out the demand and what skills employers are looking for.
- Work with your school's career center. They have many resources available, from mock interviews; help with resumes to helping you find a job.
- Read books and articles. Sure, you already go to school which means you're learning enough. I can't tell you just how wrong you are. Some classes cover such a broad spectrum that I can't say I have learned any one area in well enough detail and from internship experience I realize they doesn't cover some areas at all but yet I know it. And I know it because I've read it. Make use of your school's physical and online library, there is so much knowledge there and it's not taken advantage of.
- Network. Take the steps to create an online professional network, once you leave college you will already have a list of professional contacts, recommendations and affiliations to professional groups. Make the effort to introduce yourself to interesting professionals, ask them for their card and chat with them. Attend workshops and luncheons; they are more likely to hire a familiar face.
- Find a mentor. Find someone or several persons who are willing to give you advice, tell their own experiences, answer your questions, etc. Learning from the path that someone took helps you to avoid the same mistakes and all the knowledge they can offer will be indispensable.
- Get Involved and Lead. Be an involved member of student organizations, whether they are social, professional, or Greek, they hone marketable skills and expose you to seminars, workshops and networking opportunities.
- Keep a portfolio. Did you create a flyer for your band? Did you write a really good paper? If so, save it and archive it. When you're applying for a job, it's helpful to send in a sample for your work along with your resume, it gives your employer more information about you and your awesome skills.
- Write up your resume. It might look pretty crappy with all that white space, but jotting down your accomplishments now helps form a foundation and makes it easier to add more as you go.
- Do an internship. You want experience? Here you go. I recommend not taking all your hours at one place, rather doing several internships with lower hours. It gives you a broader experience, better appeal and more opportunities to network.
- Learn to conduct yourself in a professional manner. Look and act the part. Don't talk with your mouth full. Make sure your clothes aren't wrinkly. Sit with your back straight. Don't repeat like and umm after every word. The list is endless and important, because failing to conduct yourself in a professional manner results in loss of credibility and respect.
Make use of as many tips as possible, they are sure to help you prepare for success after college.
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Resourceful Links:
Job Search Engines:
Professional Networking Sites:
