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While navigating the job market may be a difficult task for anyone, this can be especially true for recent college graduates. After spending several years earning their degree, most college graduates are excited to finally start their careers. However, finding potential job opportunities can prove to be unexpectedly challenging, and it may even take months before graduates actually get their first interview.
Whether you are currently working towards your degree or you have recently graduated, you may be feeling the pressure of landing the first job of your career. Hunting for the right job is a process that requires patience, so it is important for you to not lose hope during your search. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take both before and after college to help improve your odds of landing your dream job.
Let’s take a look at some practical tips to get started in a dream career after graduation for both college students and recent graduates.
Preparing For Your Dream Career: Tips for College Students
Your college years are a uniquely-suited time to start working towards your career. College students have access to resources and opportunities that can’t be found anywhere else. Also, students that start taking steps towards their career early can begin distinguishing themselves as professionals and set themselves apart from future competition.
While still in college, it’s time to take advantage of the opportunities and resources that your school provides. Here are three tips for students that can help kickstart the career search process early and get the most out of the college or university experience.
Tip 1 – Get Career Experience Early Through Part-Time Jobs & Internships
Finding a job that is related to your field of study is a great way to start working towards your future career. Most colleges offer a variety of campus jobs that can help you get experience in your chosen field. Campus jobs are typically part time jobs, and they are a good way to get relevant work experience without interfering with your class schedule.
Another way to get work experience early on is through internships. Internships prepare you with practical experience, and they can teach you additional job skills that you can’t learn in the classroom. Many internships also lead to job offers, which can eliminate the job hunting process altogether.
Tip 2 – Find Opportunities to Network
Colleges can be an ideal environment to meet individuals in your career field and grow your professional network. College professors typically have many years of experience in their field, making them experts in career advice and industry insights. Most colleges also have an extensive alumni network, allowing you to connect with previous graduates for advice and potential mentorship.
College events are another place to gain industry knowledge and network with professionals in your field. Students can attend career fairs, seminars, and workshops to gain professional knowledge and connect with potential employers.
Tip 3 – Develop Your Professional Identity
To prepare for entering into the workforce, college students should work on establishing their professional identity. One way to do this is by creating a professional resume and cover letter. Your resume should highlight your skills and experiences that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Professional social networking sites, like LinkedIn, are another way to establish your professional identity and connect with industry professionals.
Related Article: Discover the Benefits of a Professional Linkedin Profile
Most colleges offer career services that can help students prepare for their future careers. College students should take advantage of these services before they graduate to help themselves transition from academic life to the workforce.
Preparing For Your Dream Career: Tips for College Graduates
Even if you wait until after college to start getting prepared for your career, it's not too late. There are still plenty of opportunities to make yourself an ideal candidate for landing your dream job. Here are three tips for college graduates that will help you get prepared for your future career.
Tip 1 – Gain Work Experience
While you’re waiting to get established in your long-term career, you can gain relevant work experience through internships and freelance work. Although internships and freelancing isn’t the end goal, it is still a great way to gain practical experience and earn some money during your job hunt. Relevant work experience can also strengthen your resume and set you apart from other candidates.
Read our related article to learn more about navigating gaps in your resume.
Tip 2 – Continue Your Education
Supplementing your college degree with additional certifications can teach you professional skills and make you a more attractive candidate for employers. Due to the flexibility of online courses, it has never been easier to continue your education and learn the skills that will prepare you for your career.
REDC makes it convenient and affordable to continue your education with self-paced online courses.
Tip 3 – Stay Persistent
Starting in your career can take longer than you may have expected, and it is common for graduates to feel discouraged during their job hunt. Sometimes it can take months or even years to get started in your career. Staying persistent will help you maintain your motivation and stay on track towards achieving your dream job.
Landing Your Dream Job
If you are feeling the pressure of finding a job after graduating college, don’t lose hope. You can greatly increase the chances of landing your dream job with the right amount of hard work and perseverance.
REDC at Yavapai college is dedicated to helping individuals prepare for their career after graduation. Our Job Seeker Services help you learn new professional skills that will make you an ideal candidate for employment. REDC has the resources to get you started on the right path towards landing your dream job.