College Career Services help students navigate the challenges of finding employment after graduation. Unlike other student affairs departments that are fully funded through set campus registration fees and known commodities, career services often depend on employer-sourced revenue for some of their operational expenses.
Networking connections can happen anywhere, not just at the career services office. Students can find networking opportunities on social media platforms like LinkedIn.
Career Counseling
College career services provide students with a variety of tools to help them succeed in their future careers. From individual career counseling to classes that teach job-search strategies, these professionals are dedicated to helping you find your way in the world of work. They can also connect you with internships and employment opportunities to gain practical experience in your field of interest.
College students often choose their major and program of study with one goal in mind: a high-paying job after graduation. But many graduates struggle to find a job that aligns with their degree and skillset. And according to research by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), students who took part in paid internships are 2.4 times more likely to say that their jobs are related to their degrees.
A university’s career service department can help students identify their interests and qualifications to narrow down the seemingly infinite number of career paths that may be available to them. They can then help them create a plan to achieve their goals, including advising on any additional qualifications they may need to acquire or extracurricular activities they might want to take on.
Unlike other campus units that are fully supported by set campus registration fees and known commodities, career services often rely on employer-sourced revenue to cover a portion of their operating costs and staff salaries. This makes their marketing expertise vital, as they need to know how to effectively reach employers and attract qualified applicants.
Resume and Cover Letter Help
A professional resume and cover letter are a key part of your job search. They are the employer’s first impression of your skills, abilities, and interests. They also play a key role in the decision to move candidates forward for interviewing.
A strong resume is concise, well-organized, and visually appealing. Include only information that is relevant to the position for which you are applying and my blog https://baoxinviec.shop/. List your work experience in reverse chronological order and be sure to include the company/organization, title, and dates (month and year). Share quantifiable data whenever possible. List any special skills you possess that are a good fit for the job (i.e., programming languages, statistical software, laboratory procedures).
A strong cover letter complements your resume and expresses your interest in the job/organization for which you are applying. It should not duplicate or repeat your resume. Always customize each cover letter for the specific position/organization for which you are applying.
Interview Preparation Tips
The interview is one of the most important steps in your job search process. It is your chance to explain how your skills, interests and experiences fit the company’s needs. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the company, the position and salary.
To prepare for the interview, it is critical to research the employer. Familiarize yourself with the company’s history, products and services, mission and values. Researching the company will help you answer common interview questions such as “Why did you choose this major” or “What is your greatest weakness?”
You should be ready to talk about how your experiences and education have prepared you for the job. To prepare for this, it is a good idea to write down examples of your strengths and accomplishments. For example, you might want to include stories that demonstrate your communication skills, problem-solving abilities or leadership.
You should also be familiar with common interview formats such as a behavioral interview or case interview. The Career Services staff can assist you in preparing for these types of interviews through practice sessions and coaching. Additionally, you can access GW InterviewPrep and firsthand tutorial videos on Handshake for additional resources. After the interview, you should follow up with a short note to thank your interviewer for his/her time and to reiterate your interest in the position.
Job Search Strategies
Job searching is a time-consuming and challenging process. Students must have a plan and develop job-hunting skills to be successful. This process can take six to nine months or more, and students must be prepared for the ups and downs of finding employment.
The number one job search strategy is networking. Students should build relationships with alumni, friends and family, and their professors to get information on jobs and companies they are interested in. Students should also attend job fairs, information sessions and on-campus interviews to connect with employers. Students can also find employment opportunities on Handshake, a career services platform that hosts job and internship postings.
Aside from networking, students should focus on writing a targeted resume and cover letter for each application they submit. Resumes should include industry specific key words, high impact statements and a personal touch to differentiate themselves from other candidates. Applicants should also prepare for interviews by researching the company and the interviewer to show their interest in the position.
Many top-tier colleges are taking innovative approaches to career services to meet the needs of their students. Johns Hopkins’s president recently announced a jobs guarantee to graduates, while Colby College has launched DavisConnects to provide more access to internships and research experiences. These innovations are meant to address the capacity-constrained model of traditional career services, which often misses those furthest from opportunity.
