Right now I am finishing up college, watching my friends graduate and attempt at a "real job", and listening to my sisters talk about their plans for the future. This all made me realize how I've shaped my life to build my professional brand, how I have accomplished the things I have so far, and how I see my future.
With the semester coming to an end and another year behind us, here are 10 things that should be on your "must do" list while you're preparing yourself for the professional world.
1. Update and Revamp Your Resume
Your resume is your paper face, your application, the preview of you! It is important to keep this updated and proofread. Sending it to peers, professors, mentors, or your school's career services center will help give you a different perspective and helpful tips on improving your resume.
2. Create a LinkedIn Page
Creating a LinkedIn page will get yourself out in the professional world. Having your experience, certificates/awards, and professional interests can help create networking and potential messages for interviews
3. Attend School Career Events
By going to your school's career events, you have the opportunity to met professional within your field and network with them, you also have the chance to ask questions and get professional advice, and you may even get interviewed on the spot and have a job offer before you leave.
4. Gain Experience
Gain as much experience as you can! Apply for jobs that you can relate to your career path, whether it be volunteering or paid positions, a job is a job when it comes to experience. Your experience will get you ahead of the crowd and teach you things to help you advance.
5. Participate in Mock Interviews
Some schools offer it, but you can also do this with friends or family. By doing a mock interview, you can practice your S.M.A.R.T responses to behavioral questions. As well another professional responses, such as your elevator speech.
6. Have an Interview Routine
It is important to have a similar routine to prepare yourself for an interview. I like to pick out what I feel is best to wear, print at least 3 copies of my resume, write any questions in my pad folio as well as my availability and any days I may need off. Drinking water before you leave and ensuring you had something to eat is also very important.
7. Clean Your Social Media
For me, it's easy to clean out my social media because my sorority has specific rules. As well as I already have my co workers as friends, I want to ensure I am being myself but also keeping unnecessary things offline. Keep the alcohol to a minimum, especially as a younger professional. Keep any weapons or violent thoughts, and curse words offline. Most employees will look up your social media accounts before sending a final offer.
8. Build Your Communication Skills
Whether you’re shy or outgoing, it’s important to be able to communicate well. I recommend taking public speaking courses, writing courses, and simply practicing regularly. Learn how to tell your story. One way to do this is to practice your professional pitch.
9. Work Hard, Play Hard
Doing your best work, taking initiative, and working hard everyday will pay off in the end. Whether that be with your academics or in your work environment. Well it also is important to be social and "play hard". Being part of that positive and fun work environment, being a team, going out after work and being friendly is essential as well.
10. Live Your Values
Your work and actions speak volumes about you, as an individual. You can say you hold certain values, but your actions, experience, and words have to embody them. Being authentic and genuine will show, and in the long run will gain people's trust.
So even though your professional career may have a few years until take off, it is important to start now and build your brand in a productive way. By doing all of the above, you will create a great network, gain amazing experience, and grow as a professional individual. Don't take my word for it, try it!
You can thank me later. Happy building!
