3/15/13, By E. W.
Sophomore and first years, listen
up; this blog is for you. According to the National Association of Colleges and
Employers (NACE) there are 10 things that you should be doing right now to help
you land your dream job after graduation.
1. Maintain good grades-You kept good
grades all the way through high school to make it into a good college, and now
that you achieved that goal, you might think that you deserve at least a little
break, right. Unfortunately, your future employer disagrees. Just like in high
school, it is extremely important to maintain good grades. Both employers and
grad schools look at transcripts to judge if their candidates are knowledgeable
and hard working.
2. Identify your interests, skills, and values-The
first few years of college can be struggle as you try to figure out where you
belong and what you want to do with your life. However, once you have
identified your key traits, figuring out what you want to do will be that much
easier. (If you need help, stop by the Center for Servant Leadership to make an
appointment to take a personality assessment.)
3. Explore career options-It is fine if
you haven’t pinpointed what you want to do with your life just yet, but that
doesn’t mean you should just sit back and hope that someday you have an
epiphany. Take an active role in figuring out your career path. Job shadow,
obtain internships, complete informational interviews. Do something that will
give you good information so you can take your next step.
4. Get involved outside of the classroom-This
really shouldn’t be that big of a problem for Gusties. In fact, I will go the
other way and say that you should make sure that you are not spreading yourself
too thin. Pick two or three activities that you really enjoy and take
leadership roles. Anyone can be a member, but employers are truly impressed by
those who step up and lead.
5. Do community service-As a Gustie, we
are fortunate enough to be a part of a great community, so why not give back?
Pick up a rake or a paint brush, donate some time and effort and show employers
what it means to have community service as one of the five pillars of Gustavus.
6. Develop your computer skills-With our
generation, where everyone can type, log on to email, and surf the internet
without a problem, saying you have “basic computer skills” really doesn’t mean
all that much to employers. However, if you can say you’ve taken workshops or
classes, an employer will be impressed with your skills and your ambition.
7. Improve your writing skills-Coming out
of a liberal arts college, employers are going to expect that you have had some
practice at writing; don’t disappoint them! Take a few extra writing classes,
visit the Writing Center, and see a professor about how you can improve.
8. Complete an internship-While your
internship doesn’t necessarily have to be in the career you hope to have, try
to pick one that has similar traits. For example, it doesn’t make sense to take
an internship in an accounting office when your dream job is to be a biology teacher.
Also, make the most of any internship; don’t
just be there, actively engage in everything that is going on.
9. Learn about different cultures through
foreign language classes and study abroad opportunities-Never before has
our nation been so diverse, and showing employers you are comfortable with
diverse work environments will be a boost for your career. Take and master a
language. Go study abroad somewhere. Find some way for you to experience and
appreciate a culture other than your own.
10. Take advantage of the career center-Yes,
there is actually a place on campus where it is their primary goal to help you
land your dream job. The Center for Servant Leadership will help you figure out
your interests, look over your resume and cover letters,
help you find an internship, and more. Stop in any time to make an appointment!
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