The earlier, the better. As a student, the prospect of building a career can be daunting, but getting a head start allows students to explore their options, broaden their networks, and develop relevant skills and experience that will set them apart from other job seekers.
How can you get ahead while in school?
Your school’s career centre is a fantastic place to start. It is a ready-made network that can alert you to companies and positions that may be a fit for you. Make use of the resume and counselling resources they offer, as well as their alumni network, job boards and mentorship opportunities.
Schedule informational interviews. Find professionals that inspire you, and learn from them. You’ll not only expand your network, but also gain additional insight into opportunities and employers of interest. If you make a good impression, you may even be considered for future internships or job openings.
Get experience where you can. Seek internships in your area of interest to help build your resume and develop essential workplace communication skills. Consider volunteering with community programs in your area, or with local industry groups. Exposing yourself to professional environments and projects provides a taste of the working world, making your skills more appealing to employers.
Attend industry events. Take advantage of professional events such as conferences and tradeshows, which often offer student pricing. Attend career fairs and make use of such networking sites as meetup.com, or LinkedIn to find professional interest groups and employers in your area.
It’s up to students to be proactive, and take advantage of the opportunities available to them. Starting early is the surest way to develop a well-rounded resume, reference list, and gain better overall insight into where your interests lie, and where to focus your energy.
Know where the jobs are. Knowing where to look is half the battle! Having access to job opportunities is easier with resources like www.roberthalf.ca or the Enactus Careers Job Board – an exclusive job board available to Enactus Canada students and alumni, designed to assist students and alumni by showcasing employment opportunities that are available with Enactus Canada’s corporate and organizational partners.
This article is provided courtesy of Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm. The company has more than 340 staffing locations worldwide. For career and management advice, follow our blog at blog.roberthalf.com, and @RobertHalf_CAN on Twitter for additional workplace advice and hiring trends.