During graduation season, it’s easy to picture yourself in cap and gown, walking across the stage to finally receive your diploma. You will have spent years working hard in class, and you will finally be able to add a degree to your resume.
The only problem is that once you start job hunting, you may find that the most appealing positions require one to five years’ experience. Don’t worry: While you are still a student, you have many opportunities to gain professional experience and avoid this dilemma. And the sooner you start, the better.
Get involved with a student organization
There are all several industry-focused student organizations available at UMUC. For starters, there are the Accounting Club, Criminal Justice and Intelligence Club, Communication Studies Club and Psychology Club. Organizations often offer opportunities not always found in the classroom, such as workshops, guest speakers or the chance to connect with a professional who can act as a mentor.
Another option is to become involved in a student chapter of a national professional organization. Organizations such as the Public Relations Society of America are recognized across the industry and have sister organizations for students. The Public Relations Student Society of America offers students the chance to apply for scholarships and internships, gain professional public relations experience and build valuable relationships.
Get an Internship
The benefits of interning are not to be underestimated. If you are able to intern, maximize your experience to learn as much as you can about the field or industry. Having multiple internships over the course of your studies can expand your network and build skills. Though many interning positions are unpaid or offer low wages, if you work hard enough to be noticed, you’ll walk away with a solid recommendation and possibly the offer of a full-time position.
Volunteer
Volunteering can offer the same benefits of an internship and possibly a greater hands-on experience. If you are able to demonstrate your experience in a corporate internship and the know-how from a volunteering position, you will stand out from other job applicants.
Attend Professional Events and Workshops
Follow companies and industry professionals on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. They will often post upcoming professional events, workshops and webinars. UMUC often offers the same resources. These events are a great chance to network with professionals and learn more about the industry from their perspective.
Get an Administrative Job in Your Field
Even with a degree and experience, it’s not always easy to get the job you want, so consider applying for administrative positions at a company in which you’re interested. It might not be the position you pictured landing right off the bat, but administrative positions offer more than you might expect. They can help your learn how the company works, build relationships demonstrate what a reliable and valuable employee you are, helping you to move into your ideal job.
As rewarding as it is to graduate with your degree in hand, having experience is just as important. Though it may not be easy to add another commitment to your already busy schedule, think of these experiences as an investment in your career. You’ll be thankful when you have the stellar resume that makes you stand out and the recommendations to confirm your abilities.
5 Ways to Make the Most of Your College Experience
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Whether you’re returning to higher education or a recent high school graduate, you’ve
worked hard to get where you are. So why not make the most of it? Check out these tips
to improve your experience, achieve your highest potential and make the most of college,
a place you’ve worked hard to get to
Go to the Library
While a plethora of information is accessible by phone or computer, many students forget the one place that’s there just for them. The library holds a number of resources, as well as citation and technical support, and if you’re able to visit the physical location, it’s a quiet place that can help you stay focused on the task at hand.
Use Support Services
Between tutoring, student organizations, honor societies and Career Services, we have you covered from the second you start to commencement. Whether you’re looking for assistance with class registration, homework or writing papers, help is available to you, whenever you need it.
Plan Ahead
It’s easy to brush off the number of assignments required for a class when you first receive the syllabus. While it may feel like everything is still weeks away, be sure to keep an eye on what’s due, or it could sneak up on you. Review your syllabus every week and at least two weeks into the future so you’re aware of what’s around the corner and when it will be due. Rushing to finish a project at the last minute will result in work that may not be your best and may lower your ability to absorb and retain the information.
Study Daily
When you make a point to study and review the material you’ve learned every day, it will be easier to recall. That’s because repetition equals memorization. Study a little every day, and you can prevent the need to pull an all-nighter.
Get to Know a Classmate
Reach out to another student to find a like mind to bounce ideas off of, a partner for group projects and a study buddy. And if you’re both working toward a career in the same industry, your classmate could possibly become a referral for a potential job or could become a future colleague.
Go to the Library
While a plethora of information is accessible by phone or computer, many students forget the one place that’s there just for them. The library holds a number of resources, as well as citation and technical support, and if you’re able to visit the physical location, it’s a quiet place that can help you stay focused on the task at hand.
Use Support Services
Between tutoring, student organizations, honor societies and Career Services, we have you covered from the second you start to commencement. Whether you’re looking for assistance with class registration, homework or writing papers, help is available to you, whenever you need it.
Plan Ahead
It’s easy to brush off the number of assignments required for a class when you first receive the syllabus. While it may feel like everything is still weeks away, be sure to keep an eye on what’s due, or it could sneak up on you. Review your syllabus every week and at least two weeks into the future so you’re aware of what’s around the corner and when it will be due. Rushing to finish a project at the last minute will result in work that may not be your best and may lower your ability to absorb and retain the information.
Study Daily
When you make a point to study and review the material you’ve learned every day, it will be easier to recall. That’s because repetition equals memorization. Study a little every day, and you can prevent the need to pull an all-nighter.
Get to Know a Classmate
Reach out to another student to find a like mind to bounce ideas off of, a partner for group projects and a study buddy. And if you’re both working toward a career in the same industry, your classmate could possibly become a referral for a potential job or could become a future colleague.
Six Ways to Improve Your Resume
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Even if you haven’t yet completed your new degree or certificate, it never hurts to fine tune your resume and keep it up to date. Before you hand out copies of your credentials, make sure what you’ve put on paper will make a good impression and get you through the door.
Limit your Resume to One Page
Between work, volunteering, internships and school, you may have experience that could fill pages, but think of your resume as a personal ad to potential employers. A company can receive hundreds of resumes for one job opening, so often, a resume gets just a quick glance. You wouldn’t want to be overlooked because your best qualifications are on the second page. To keep your resume to one page, highlight only your best points and what is most relevant to the position for which you’re applying.
Delete Outdated Experiences
You may have been the best in your 1992 computer programming class, but that information doesn’t carry the same weight now as it did then. Employers want to know about what you’ve done recently, skills you exercise regularly and what’s fresh in your mind. Include only the most current information.
Highlight the Relevant Aspects of Previous Jobs
Each resume should be tailored to reflect the position for which you’re applying. Even if it seems like nothing in your professional background is related to the job description, focus on the similar aspects, and highlight your most transferrable skills. As an example, if you were a receptionist at a busy office and were applying for a managerial position at an insurance company, you would emphasize your skills in customer service, multitasking, managing communication between individual parties and maintaining calm in chaotic situations.
Avoid Difficult to Read Designs
While you want your design to stand out, you don’t want to overwhelm the reader or distract from your accomplishments. Don’t be afraid to use creativity, but don’t overdo it with multiple colors, distracting graphics or difficult-to-read text effects. Remember, you want your resume to reflect a professional you.
Focus on Achievement and Numbers
The person reviewing your resume can often easily infer your responsibilities based on your past job titles. Rather than focusing on the typical everyday tasks, put a spotlight on your achievements, and don’t be afraid to use numbers to convey magnitude.
For example, if you were an assistant, instead of saying you “organized monthly company meetings,” be more specific. A better statement would be that you “planned and executed monthly company conferences for 250 attendees.” Being descriptive and providing a specific number paints a more accurate depiction of your skills and abilities.
Limit your Resume to One Page
Between work, volunteering, internships and school, you may have experience that could fill pages, but think of your resume as a personal ad to potential employers. A company can receive hundreds of resumes for one job opening, so often, a resume gets just a quick glance. You wouldn’t want to be overlooked because your best qualifications are on the second page. To keep your resume to one page, highlight only your best points and what is most relevant to the position for which you’re applying.
Delete Outdated Experiences
You may have been the best in your 1992 computer programming class, but that information doesn’t carry the same weight now as it did then. Employers want to know about what you’ve done recently, skills you exercise regularly and what’s fresh in your mind. Include only the most current information.
Highlight the Relevant Aspects of Previous Jobs
Each resume should be tailored to reflect the position for which you’re applying. Even if it seems like nothing in your professional background is related to the job description, focus on the similar aspects, and highlight your most transferrable skills. As an example, if you were a receptionist at a busy office and were applying for a managerial position at an insurance company, you would emphasize your skills in customer service, multitasking, managing communication between individual parties and maintaining calm in chaotic situations.
Avoid Difficult to Read Designs
While you want your design to stand out, you don’t want to overwhelm the reader or distract from your accomplishments. Don’t be afraid to use creativity, but don’t overdo it with multiple colors, distracting graphics or difficult-to-read text effects. Remember, you want your resume to reflect a professional you.
Focus on Achievement and Numbers
The person reviewing your resume can often easily infer your responsibilities based on your past job titles. Rather than focusing on the typical everyday tasks, put a spotlight on your achievements, and don’t be afraid to use numbers to convey magnitude.
For example, if you were an assistant, instead of saying you “organized monthly company meetings,” be more specific. A better statement would be that you “planned and executed monthly company conferences for 250 attendees.” Being descriptive and providing a specific number paints a more accurate depiction of your skills and abilities.
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