Career Tips for After College

Many people go into college knowing that they need more education but without a final plan about how to transition what they know into a career that can earn them a good living. Transitioning from learning to working is a big change. There are plenty of opportunities out there, so even the college years should focus on getting job skills as well as an education to make you a good candidate for the kinds of roles you want.

Don’t Wait To Start Preparing for Your Career

Once you’ve made the decision to start thinking about your career, you can begin preparing for it right away. Many students will be able to get their foot in the door with an internship or job shadowing experience during their junior year of college. It’s important that you take advantage of these opportunities because they’re great ways to get firsthand knowledge of what working in a particular industry is like, and how it might fit into your life goals and interests.

Also Read: 5 Benefits Of Getting An MBA

Research Post-Graduate Education

Some careers require more than a bachelor’s degree in your field. It’s important to learn about the career paths you’re interested in so you can research educational opportunities that will help you reach your goals.

There are many different types of post-graduate education programs, so it’s important that you figure out which program is right for you. You’ll need to know if any of these programs, like going to medical school, require tests like the MCAT, GRE, or GMAT.

Prepare for Tests Like the MCAT Adequately

While your grades in college are important, it’s equally important to do well on tests for post-graduate school, or professional licensing. You don’t want to cram at the last minute or come unprepared. These tests aren’t the same as just studying for your normal classes.

Preparing for the MCAT for example means that you’ll want to create an MCAT study schedule to make sure you learn how to take the test, the kinds of questions on the test, and more. You’ll want to invest in professional study materials and maybe even classes to give you the best chance of getting a great score. Preparing for these tests is critical to prepare you for your chosen career path.

Get Your Resume Into Shape

Coming out of college, you may not have a lot of professional experience yet, but the important thing is being able to translate your experiences into marketable skills to help get your foot in the door. Your resume is your first impression. It should be easy to read and include only the most relevant information.

You want to focus not just on work experience, but also relevant volunteer experience, awards you received in college, and even skills and strengths that could benefit an employer. While you want your resume to look professional, you also need it to look exciting and fresh. Creatives especially should look at alternate ways of presenting the information that shows their creativity.

Use Your Network To Make Connections

Your network is your most valuable asset. Build connections in college, go to networking events for the industry you’re planning to work in, and make sure you always present yourself as professional in these settings. This is not the place to go with your buddies. 

Instead, think about your career success in terms of not only knowing the right things and being competent in your skills, but also who you know that can get you in front of the right people. If you don’t have a network yet, get on LinkedIn or go to local professional meetups and start building. You’ll connect with people in business settings, when you’re doing hobbies, and more.

Don’t be Afraid To Take Entry Level Work at Companies you Love

Start putting yourself out there as soon as possible, but don’t pressure yourself too much. It’s important to be realistic that it takes experience to command higher-level jobs. Getting in on the ground floor in a company you’re passionate about can help you gain experience and eventually move into the roles you’re most excited to do. Once people see your skills and you’ve proven yourself to be a great employee through an entry-level position, it’s much easier to get promotions.

Also Read: Perks of MBA in Accounting

Ask for Feedback and Make Changes

To get ready for your career, you’ll need to learn to receive feedback. Ask friends or mentors to give you feedback on everything from your resume to your social media accounts.

They can give you the insight to help you make adjustments that can help you prepare for your career. Whether they think you need to present yourself more professionally, get a professional certification like a project manager, or something else, be willing to listen and receive feedback.