I am currently in my last semester of college about to head into the real world. Searching for a job can be a tedious task, but once you land that job, it is a huge weight off your shoulders. Honestly, I have not accepted any offers just yet, but I hope to land a job that makes me feel fulfilled and happy. I will be writing this article on how to land your dream job (from someone who hasn’t, just yet!) by having completed research from people who have landed their dream job. This article will help students (like you and me) learn how to land our first dream job and make use of that degree we have worked so hard to obtain.
Learn about yourself
College is the best time to learn about yourself and your values. Use this time to understand who you are and find your skills and interests are. These times can feel like the most confusing part of your life, but rest assured, you will figure it out. When I first came to university, I was so unsure of myself (I’m not going to lie, I still kind of am) BUT, I can safely say that I feel more confident in myself and my skills. I have grown, evolved, and found myself thanks to attending college. I feel so happy that I can bring these experiences and knowledge into the next part of my life journey. I do not know what will happen in the future, but I know whatever I set my mind to, I can achieve it.
Do your research
After taking time to discover yourself and understanding your skills and interests, take time to do research. If you are unsure of what career you want to do, I highly recommend researching different job roles and reading the job description. I search for jobs on Indeed and look at the jobs in the field I am studying, read descriptions, and see what jobs would fit my personality. If you still feel confused, connect with your school’s career center or speak with your advisor to do some more deep searching. They are there to help and guide you, so use those key resources. After all, you are spending your time and money to go to college, so make sure it doesn’t go to waste.
Connect and Network
LinkedIn is where you can make business connections and network with people who have professional experience that can help boost you as an applicant. According to LinkedIn, approximately 85% of jobs are filled by networking referrals. LinkedIn is also great for networking with students and alumni in your college. Helping you retain a close relationship with peers and colleagues and make lifelong connections. Who knows, the person sitting next to you in your finance class could be the founder of the next major, revolutionary company (such as Facebook, Amazon, etc.) It is worth your time and effort to seek out those connections and get out of your comfort zone. Networking has always been a struggle of mine because I am an introvert. However, by stepping out of my comfort zone, I have found it easier to start conversations with people. It is a work in progress, and I practice by watching YouTube videos, reading books, and in practicing in class.
Take action, the sky’s the limit
Once you find what career you want to go into, APPLY, APPLY, APPLY! Make sure you perfect your resume and cover letter and send it out to employers. Go to your school’s career fair, resume review, and take courses to help prepare you apply and interview for jobs. Don’t doubt yourself and think you are not good enough. By attending college, you have gained very useful knowledge and skills. A popular quote I like is, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Just go for it, apply, and see what happens.
Don’t give up due to a lack of experience or rejection
Be prepared to get the answer you may not hope for, the sad reality is that rejection is a part of life, but we have to accept it. Although it may hurt at first, you will get over it, and it will soon be a long distant memory. In life, you must be able to handle rejection and learn to move forward from it. Don’t give up on applying to jobs because you don’t get immediate callbacks or job offers. Take the rejection as a learning experience. Improve your resume, practice more for interviews, and take on certifications. Certifications are great, especially if you don’t have experience. I recently completed the Google Data Analytics Certification, and it was a long journey, but totally worth it. Some certifications are free such as the Google Analytics Course, but some cost money, such as courses taken on Coursera. Look for those resources online, take up internships, and gain those experiences to help you advance your career. Remember not to give up when you face roadblocks in your path. Instead, let it make you stronger.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”
Steve Jobs
Works Cited:
“How to Land Your Dream Job.” Meratas Inc., 28 Feb. 2022, https://meratas.com/blog/how-to-land-your-dream-job/.
“5 Tips to Land Your Dream Job in 2021.” MSNBC, NBCUniversal News Group, 3 Jan. 2021, https://www.msnbc.com/know-your-value/5-tips-land-your-dream-job-2021-n1252694.
“As Unattainable as a Dream Job Might Sound, with the Right Forethought and Preparation, You Can Make the Move. These Tips Will Get You Started.” Monster Career Advice, https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/6-tips-for-landing-your-dream-job-hot-jobs.
Dill, Kathryn. “Why 2022 Is the Year You Get Your Dream Job.” The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones & Company, 3 Jan. 2022, https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-2022-is-the-year-you-get-your-dream-job-11641214801.