After getting into college, many people don’t think that starting to look for a job takes place until Senior Year. However, as each year passes, recruiting is starting earlier and earlier. Some companies have even started reaching out to high schoolers! In this extremely fast-paced and changing environment, it’s essential to stay up to date and to make sure you’re doing everything you can to be successful after college. Here’s a guide of things you can be doing right now to help you out, no matter what year you are!
Freshmen:
Although companies aren’t looking to hire you at this point, it’s essential to start building your personal network. Make a resume and start doing activities that interest you at college to build that resume. You should be going to events like company info sessions and career fairs to introduce yourself to recruiters. It’s important to get their business card to send them a follow up and/or to add them on LinkedIn to start forming relationships.
Sophomores:
Keep going to events and updating your resume! Maintaining relationships with recruiters is also really helpful. Send them updates on your activities at school and any new experiences. In addition, you should try to get an externship or internship for winter or summer break. By doing one and/or both of these, you will expand your personal network and get invaluable experience!
Juniors:
Internship time! Go to career fairs and apply to a bunch of internships for the summer. Having an internship going into your senior year is a great opportunity for the firm to look at you close to the time of graduation. You might even end up getting a full time offer before your senior year!
Seniors:
Even if you start to get senioritis, make sure to keep networking. When you apply to jobs, you’ll end up having a few interview rounds and maybe even going to a super day! Check out the career development center’s resources for mock interviews to get some tips to perfect yours!