The 5 Ways To Land a Job Next Year

By Contributing Writer: Allison Jones

No matter how old you are, it’s never too early to start planning for your professional career post-grad. And what better way to think of your future while you aren’t tied down with tons of school work?

So whether you’re interning all summer, studying abroad, life guarding, or just sitting on your thumbs, keep the following situations in mind this summer…

1. BBQ NETWORKING: Summer is filled with cookouts, grad parties, and pool parties galore. You are meeting new people all the time. What better way to network while still having fun? If your parents have their BFFs over for a BBQ and you’re trying to make some small talk, go ahead and ask what they do for a living and tell them where your interests lie. Chances are you may make a connection that could land you with the perfect future contact.

2. PROACTIVE NETWORKING: If you want to be more proactive about your networking, actively search the Internet and ask both family and friends about career opportunities. While browsing online, search for contact information and set up informational interviews with professionals in your area. During these meetings, make sure you ask about their career paths and what they do on a day-to-day basis.

This will help you decide if you really want to follow this career path. Also, this is a great way to get exposure to different organizations. When it comes time to apply for internships, you will be more likely to land an interview because you showed initiative ahead of time.

3. FOR THE INTERN: If you’ve already landed an internship, CONGRATS!! You are probably just now getting more situated and comfortable with your endeavors. Here are some tips to keep in mind as the summer progresses…

• Dress code varies greatly from company to company; but a key to knowing if you fit right in is to look around you. If you are unsure of an outfit, make sure you dress it up on the fancier side. One can never be overdressed, right?

• Don’t be discouraged if you feel like you’re not getting much attention/work to keep you busy. Don’t ever feel like a burden, either, but understand that your mentors are busy and have deadlines, too. An intern experience is all about getting a good feel for an organization, so try to look at the big picture. Absorb everything that is going on around you and complete productive research if you have down time.

• Ask lots of questions and make friends with older people! This will make the day more pleasant and could help post-grad as well!!

4. AFTER THE INTERNSHIP: Before you know it, the summer will be coming to a close and we’ll be heading back to school. Make sure that you get contact information from all the professionals who mentored you during your experience.

Send hand-written thank you notes to each of your mentors. People love personalized notes, and it only takes a bit longer than an email so it’s worth the extra time. This will leave a lasting impression and could greatly help if you’re interested in receiving a full time position with your organization.

5. KEEPING UP-TO-DATE: Since I’m sure most of you are less overwhelmed now that it is summertime, this is the perfect time to update your resume and reflect on your latest accomplishments. Have this complete before we head back to school because, as we all know, the work piles up!

Enjoy your summer, collegiettes, but don’t get too relaxed! Take full advantage of your time off and start planning ahead.