With industries like consulting and finance hiring in the early fall, senior year can feel overwhelming for those looking for jobs that do not fall neatly into a recruitment timeline. While I have not completely decided on my career path, I know that companies in any industry I find interesting — publishing, marketing, copywriting — only hire when they need a position filled. Therefore, applying too early can lead to the heartbreaking “thanks but no thanks” of a firm that needs someone well before May or June. In an attempt to calm my own nerves, I have compiled a list of things one can do well before application season.
- Remember the reality of your timeline and your position.
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If you’re job hunting in an industry that doesn’t hire until the end of the school year, then you are doing everything you can right now (in terms of applications). You can’t interview for jobs that haven’t opened yet. While you continue to explore job titles and companies, keep this tidbit in mind. Also remember that you are going to be a graduate of an incredible college — and university — with thousands of alumni on LinkedIn and Barnard Connect who want to help you on every step of your career journey. You are in a great position and being on a different timeline from others does not change that.
- Start identifying companies you like.
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Although frustrating, the extra time you have could actually be advantageous. Spend the fall and early spring researching companies that seem interesting to you. Websites like Handshake and Indeed are great for finding and saving jobs based on your interests. Similarly, Glassdoor allows past employees to comment on their application process and overall job satisfaction. Create a spreadsheet to keep track of company names, locations, job titles, and possible alumni connections. Try to find joy in the research. That may sound silly, but this is the next phase of your life, and it is incredibly exciting!
- Build networking connections early.
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It is never too early to network. I recommend planning a coffee or phone chat with an alumnus every month or so. These are prime opportunities for learning more about an industry, a company, and post-grad life in general. During these conversations, do not feel shy about asking questions and volunteering information about yourself in the process. For example, I tend to ask something like: “I am an editor for a few publications on campus, and so I really enjoy both writing and editing. Are these types of tasks part of your job?” This way, the meeting can feel more like a conversation in which two people are getting to know each other. I can assure you, Barnard and Columbia graduates are very interesting people, and even if you do not end up working at the company, you will get something out of the experience.
- Visit Beyond Barnard and/or Columbia CCE to sharpen your resume.
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I predict that Beyond Barnard will become my second home as the year goes on. I have already met with the Coordinator of Advising & Programs, Briana, multiple times and she has been nothing but helpful in calming my nerves. We have gone over my resume, dissected job descriptions, and used databases to learn more about job titles and required skills for various positions. (Who knew there was a database for job titles?) Of course, students have varying levels of success with career counseling, but it is worth a try!
- Put more time into your extracurriculars.
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School clubs (Her Campus included!) have been some of my most fulfilling involvements in college. Not only have I made great friends with similar interests, but I have also gained leadership experience valuable for the job search. As you progress through senior year, take on more responsibility in your extracurriculars. If you do not have a formal leadership position, ask if you can contribute more to a specific project or event. The organization’s leaders will be glad for the help, and you will have more leadership experiences and skills to discuss in a job interview.
- Check things off your Barnard bucket list.
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Almost every senior I know has a Barnard (or Columbia!) bucket list. Such a list, either written down or held mentally, details everything the senior wishes to accomplish before graduation. Without the time constraint of applications and interviews, the fall and early spring are the best times to get a head start on your list! If you need inspiration, a few items on my list are: visit the greenhouse on top of Milbank, thank the professors who have made my time here so special, and appear on the cover of an issue of the Barnard Bulletin.
As you can tell, a late job application cycle is not a death sentence. In fact, the extra time can allow you to enjoy your senior year even more. Spend these next few months falling in love with Columbia all over again. See your friends, go to sporting events, and buy that sweatshirt from the bookstore. If the fall is any indication, we will be strutting across the stage of Radio City in no time, so take advantage of all Barnard and Columbia have to offer.