“If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.”
“Man in the Mirror,” Michael Jackson; lyrics by Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard
By Karyn Brodsky
Preparing for Life After College
At last! After years of dedication, it’s time for your student to transition off your financial support. This marks a crucial period for graduates as they start seeking employment or considering graduate school to make their impact on the world.
Start Early: Planning Begins in High School
Steve Longo, a partner at NextStep College to Career Coaching in Plano, emphasizes that job planning should actually start in high school. “Many colleges require high school seniors to choose a major before they even enroll,” Longo explains. “This is absurd; most high schoolers struggle to keep their rooms tidy, let alone make decisions about their careers for the next four decades!” Before selecting colleges or majors, students should investigate the percentage of graduates in various fields who secure “career jobs,” the average pay for those roles related to their intended majors, and whether they will need an advanced degree to obtain a desired job position.
Enhancing Your Resume During College
While in college or university, students should actively enhance their resumes by engaging in on-campus jobs, summer work, internships, study abroad experiences, volunteer opportunities, community service, and extracurricular activities, all of which will help them stand out to potential employers or graduate school admission committees. Enrolling in a course that focuses on resume creation, presentation techniques, and mock interviews can also be very beneficial.
Focus on Career Development
According to Longo, students invest four years in college but will likely have a 40-year career. Thus, it’s essential to be forward-thinking about their careers. An important first step is for students to visit their school’s career center as early as their freshman year to learn about internship hiring processes. Even if a freshman may not be eligible for an internship, attending career fairs can provide valuable networking practice with prospective employers. This skill will be invaluable when applying for graduate school. “Students who prioritize their careers while in college are much more apt to find success after graduating,” Longo notes.
Job Hunting: A Full-Time Commitment
Searching for a full-time job post-graduation can feel like a job in itself. Balancing recruitment efforts with college commitments requires strong time management. Longo advises that students should avoid letting the job search interfere with their classes or studies, just as they must ensure their coursework doesn’t hinder their job search. Maintaining good academic performance is vital, as employers often consider GPA when evaluating candidates for their first job. Arriving on time and presenting oneself well during interviews also signals reliability to hiring managers and serves as excellent preparation for regular work attendance.
