6 Job Search Tips for College Seniors
The senior year of college is ripe with anticipation for the future. The completion of three years of coursework is an achievement in itself. The end is almost in sight. The multitude of events surrounding this last year can bring on excitement and happiness along with a little fear. Walking across the stage to receive your well-earned diploma is just the beginning. Life changes are in the air. A first professional job, possibly moving away from home for the first time, a pending marriage or graduate school are common for many. Before you land that desired job, consider how to source the “job-help” available to you right now in order to get a head start, perhaps having a job by graduation allowing you to strut across the stage.
Some degrees may require a bit of whittling down to find the specific niche you want to fit into. If possible, begin making decisions now in September as to what you would like to be doing next September. What employment options related to your chosen degree really excite you? Consider where you would like to start your professional career. Identify industries and roles that interest you the most and do some research regarding different positions. Write down your goal and make a list of options, thoughts and ideas of how you will attack the chore of getting that first professional job. Once you have a general idea of where you want to begin, start your own personal networking campaign with these 6 steps.
1. Career Services Department
Most colleges and universities have a Career Services department. Their purpose is to assist students with more than just resume’ preparation. Discussing your career goals and objectives with one of the staff members allows them to connect with you, becoming aware of your needs. Making this personal connection keeps you memorable should a position with your specifications presents itself. They may have ideas or even contacts with companies looking for new graduates. Career Services can also potentially connect you with school alums who are willing to hire or mentor new graduates. It is unfortunate that a significant number of new graduates never darken the doorway of this department. According to an article by Annie Nova on CNBC.com, only 40% of students ever visit the career services department. The Career Services Department is paid with your tuition dollars so take advantage of it
2. Network with your professors
Make an appointment with your favorite professor to discuss and get their insights on the track you have decided to pursue. Perhaps they have contacts they would be willing to introduce you to. The right contact can lead to a job! Example: If you are an English major but don’t want to teach, the head of the English department or your English advisor may have valuable thoughts on different English track options and where you can look next. They may know of an organization that needs training materials created and can facilitate an interview. Seek feedback on how you conducted yourself in class or in group projects. Inquire as to any improvements they feel you could make. Authentic, honest feedback can be very helpful in preparing for your future jobs.
3. Network with extracurricular organizations
All of the extracurricular organizations that kept you busy on weekends and nights during college are networking opportunities not to be overlooked. Sororities and fraternities have national headquarters that may be helpful. A phone call or email seeking contacts can’t hurt. After all, you paid dues for years, right? Many alums of these organizations look for new graduates through the sorority or fraternity. The professional business organizations you joined can also be mined as a source for potential jobs. The clubs and organizations are lifelong connections you have built during college. These are fertile ground to be tilled. Take full advantage of them.
4. Internship networking
Your internships during college should be further investigated for employment opportunities. Hopefully during the internship you connected with as many people as possible and let them know what you wanted to do once college was completed. Contact these people and ask if they are aware of any opportunities at the company or any other positions. Connect with these people on LinkedIn and ask for insights related to your job search
5. Friends and Family
Friends and family are huge resources for job networking. The entire time you were in school beginning from kindergarten, your own parents were exposed to many other parents, in sports clubs, scouting, drama and any other school activities children are involved in. These are usually friendships that span the entirety of your schooling and all of these parents want the best for you. These are all potential job contacts when college is complete. Families are made up of many types of people with many different types of jobs and we all know people … who know people! The connection just has to be made. Most friends or family members don’t mind one bit introducing a new college graduate to a contact. These family/friend contacts will probably be people you don’t know. That may feel a bit awkward but by all means contact them.
6. LinkedIn
Create a LinkedIn profile and if you already have one, be certain it is exceptional and specific for your career path. The profile photo should be appropriate and professional. Clean up the employment and projects area keeping it clean and concise so that potential network connections as well as interviewers can know a bit about the person they will be speaking with. This is your digital business card and will be seen by many people so it needs to be spectacular!
Your senior year will be over before you know it. Prioritize your time and energy now setting aside blocks of time each week to assess what you have discovered from your research. Check where you are on your “job search list” and begin to make the necessary connections, calls or appointments. Be purposeful and intentional with your plan of action. This methodical process will keep you from panicking come April allowing you to enjoy this last year of college as you should! Good luck!!!
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