Three career-building experiences college offers

College is a great opportunity to expand your immediate social and academic horizons, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be looking to the future. Undergraduate life may seem like it lasts forever, but those four years will go by quicker than you think, and soon you’ll be facing the prospect of a postgrad hunt for premium entry level jobs and paid internships. Here are three career-building college experiences you should consider before graduation.

Get a student job
Working in the school cafeteria or patrolling the library stacks may not seem particularly beneficial to your dreams of becoming a business titan, but sometimes the best professional experience involves getting used to holding down a job. Learning how to show up on time, dealing with working for hours on end and communicating with supervisors are essential skills for getting ahead after graduation.

Apply for internships
Not only are student internships great for getting an introductory look into your desired industry, but you can also earn credit to put toward your degree. While you’ll likely be working as an unpaid intern, putting these types of experiences on your resume is a great way to distinguish yourself before looking for a real job. You’ll also meet valuable professional contacts who can help you down the line with recommendations.

Attend career fairs
If you want to get a sense of what jobs are out there, heading to a career fair is the way to go. Many colleges host these events on campus, which give you the chance to speak with and ask questions of company representatives. Just don’t forget to dress up!

 

Tags: career, College, entry level job, finance, graduation, internship, Student

Category: Career News, Careers, Internships, Jobs