You might only see college as the place you study and get a degree, but there’s so much more to college than just being academically inclined. Professional skills are vital to getting a job after school, but many kids make the mistake of only focusing on schoolwork. What’s the point of spending thousands of dollars to get a degree but not getting a job because you don’t have any professional experience?
Here are some tips on how to gain professional experience while at school:
1. Intern or Volunteer
Studying a subject is NOT the same as working in a field related to it. Internships and volunteer opportunities offer you invaluable experience in the field you’re studying, and you can learn skills that are neglected in the classroom. Depending on where you work, you might even have a chance of getting a full-time job after graduation.
2. Attend Conventions
Attending conventions is a great way to meet professionals in your chosen field and network. Now is the time to make professional connections. No connection is too small and established professionals can put in a good word for you to employers.
3. Undergraduate Research
You know you’re great at something when you can effectively explain it to someone else. Completing a research project while in school bolsters your credibility and experience in your field. There are plenty of events, such as NCUR (http://www.cur.org/conferences_and_events/student_events/ncur/) where you can present your research to professionals. Talk about a resume builder!
4. Visit Job Fairs in College
A mistake college students make is assuming they don’t need to think about employment till after graduation. Going to job fairs helps you put yourself out there and think about where you’d like to work after college. If you snag an interview, you’ll also polish your resume and interviewing skills.
5. Get a Job
Getting a job while in school teaches you how to manage your time and prioritize as well. You’ll probably procrastinate less on that essay due Sunday at 11:59 p.m. if you have work Monday morning.