Look Out "Real World," Here I Come! | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Look Out "Real World," Here I Come!

A friendly reminder that big kid jobs are not in the far off future.

26
Look Out "Real World," Here I Come!
StartupStockPhotos

For most young aspiring professionals, preparation for the future begins very early. In addition to applying to school and selecting a major, we must be mindful of what else we have going on in our lives.

Most young people in school work part time or seasonal positions for some extra cash, but little do they know that their experience behind the cash register or in the kitchen can really set them apart as they progress into the professional realm, otherwise known as "the real world." There are three aspects to consider, consisting of the resume, references and the dreaded interview.

When it comes to crafting the perfect resume, we must bear in mind that employers want the best of the best. However, this sort of pressure can worry young professionals, because they may feel as if they lack sufficient experience. How can one acquire a position if they don't have experience?

At the college age, employers are not looking for three or more years of related experience in the field and multiple degrees. They want to see that you are capable of working with other people, that you can operate general computer programs and that you can answer the phone without hanging up on someone just because you find their voice annoying.

Putting any and all kinds of volunteer and work experience will give you an edge in that the employer will know that you do not need any sort of coaching in relation to those sort of aspects that are seen in the workplace as common knowledge.

Many people will claim they have no experience, but nothing could be further from the truth. You do not need to have been promoted at the same place of employment every year to be considered successful on a resume. Volunteer and extracurricular work can serve a purpose. It may not have been paid or structured, but it is still experience nonetheless. It is all about telling that human resources department that you are competent and capable of working for their company in the role in which you're interested.

In addition to a strong resume, having a list of reliable references can set you apart from other candidates. You do not want to put down a random neighbor who may happen to work in a successful law firm as a reference if they don't really have sufficient information to provide in a phone call or email in reference to you. However, your manager at your part time job or the sponsor of the club you run may be a bit more helpful in that regard.

With all of this being said, these administrative necessities do not necessarily land you a job; the interview is what seals the deal. People often throw themselves off guard when they think about interviews. That sort of drilling one-on-one questioning and conversation can be a bit intimidating, but it's all about being confident and in control. You do not want to appear nervous in any way, but you definitely don't want to convey an arrogant image either. There is a certain balance in how one should present themselves in an interview setting. It requires being confident and knowledgeable of one's abilities on the inside and projecting that image through your dress and appearance. You should show up early, but not too early, and nicely dressed. You may not need a full business suit, but you should definitely not show up in jeans and a T-shirt. If you enter looking like you know what you're talking about, the interviewer will most definitely notice.

So as you continue to take classes and learn more about your field of choice, don't forget to keep your resume updated and pristine! You'll be much more relaxed and prepared in the long run when it comes time to enter..."the real world."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1192
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

726
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199863
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20664
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments