As a student, a considerable portion of our tuition is spent on resources and events provided through campus. These resources may have the potential to lead to your first entry-level job after college, effectively building the support network that every college graduate so desperately needs in today’s job market, but if you aren’t using them, you may never reap the benefits.
Here are some of the ways you can leverage your campus resources to land an entry-level job after graduation.
Expand Your Social Circle
Build connections! Find campus events that interest you and seek out like-minded individuals. If you’re interested in business, join the Student Entrepreneurs club on campus. If you love politics, attend panels available for students majoring in Government.
In addition to expanding your social circle, you’re creating a safety net to fall back on in times of need. Imagine an emergency compromising your first entry-level job after graduation: Your network could help you get back on your feet. Expanding your social circle will create more opportunities for success and all-around satisfaction.
Take Advantage of Your Campus Writing Lab/Tutor Center
While the name of this service changes from campus to campus, the mission and workers within it all share one goal: to get you writing at the best of your ability. This resource can be used for a lot more than college papers, as resumes and cover letters can be continuously improved by the various student and teacher volunteers. The resume and cover letter are your golden ticket to finding a successful career, so why not take the time to get some extra feedback? You’ll become a far more competitive candidate because of it.
Consider Joining an Honor Society
If you’re doing well academically or need a little extra motivation to kick you into gear, honor societies can be a great experience. These academia clubs usually charge a small induction fee, but open the door to various scholarship opportunities that would have been otherwise unavailable. A good example would be the Phi Theta Kappa honor society for community college students, which offers numerous transfer scholarships for continuing education.
The best part of joining an honor society is being able to add that pride and prestige to your resume to paint the image of an ambitious, well-rounded student.
Ask Your Professors Questions
Professors are arguably the most overlooked resource available to you as a student. Whether they teach massive online courses (MOOCs), present at TED events or write the next great American novel, your professors are highly-regarded individuals who can not only help with your questions but also connect you with future employers. I can’t stress the significance of asking the right person the right questions as a beginner in your field of study enough. Set up a time to meet with professors, or attend their office hours. Approach this task as an extended, informational interview, and be sure to establish regular communications so that you build a strong relationship that could last beyond your 4 years.
Make the most of your college experience (and your college tuition!) by using the campus resources at your disposal: You never know which professor, classmate, student group or society could lead to your first entry-level job.
