Five (5) Ways to Plan Your Career In College
How students can prepare their career while in college.
Utilize Career Center to the fullest capacity.
This means, taking informational interviews in every career you’re interested in.
Having an internship (every quarter or semester) based on what you may want to pursue.
Job shadow people in positions you are interested in for a day to see if you like what it REALLY looks like.
Build an ON-campus network.
Your peers and teachers hold more value than you realize. Make friends, meaningful connections, join clubs, and engage with the people on your campus. Even though everyone may be pursuing the same or different careers, your network will always help you well after you graduate.
Build an OFF-campus network.
Get off campus and attend networking events, industry specific events or workshops, or find hobbies off-campus. These off campus connections in your field of interest, or industry adjacent, can play a huge role in your career opportunities once you graduate.
Internships.
We said this before, but internships are how you begin building your resume before you graduate. At the very least, it allows you to explore different careers and positions so you don’t waste precious time or feel “stuck” in one, once you graduate.
Start your own thing, NOW!
With the gig economy we live and entrepreneurship at an all time high, starting your own blog, creating content on social media networks, or even side hustle around the career you’re interested in are great ways to explore the depths of your interest. Doing this also allows you to get an edge on a job you’re applying for and stand out amongst other candidates, as the employer sees your passion and commitment. ADDITIONALLY, it can be another source of income.