To Current College Students, Here Are Key Professional Lessons I Learned After Graduation | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Adulting

To Current College Students, Here Are Key Professional Lessons I Learned After Graduation

The lessons I have learned about post-college life.

161
To Current College Students, Here Are Key Professional Lessons I Learned After Graduation

My biggest takeaway from college about entering the job market is that a degree is not enough to stand out.

Think about it, everyone that is graduating with you is leaving with the same degree as you. Most of them have a similar GPA to you and all of you are competing to get into the same job industry with limited positions, depending on how broad or narrow your major is. This makes job search very dehumanizing because people attach their identity to the rejections or acceptances that they receive such that, it becomes a depressing period.

All that can be reduced if the graduate stands out from the crowd of other students and makes an impression on the world. This has no connection with being the smartest academically but the smartest in putting in work where it really matters.

Here, are a few things you should look out for on your campus to stand out and improve your resume.

First of all, be actively involved in a professional organization chapter branch on campus because you will learn a lot from discussions made outside the classroom. Most of these discussions will center around your future career and how to get there. They usually provide opportunities for volunteering, going to career fairs, and leadership. Here, you have an opportunity to also grow your soft skills like communication skills, organizational skills, and so on when you participate in activities or take on a leadership position. Professional organizations keep you thinking about your future which can be overwhelming at first but will be something you will eventually accept.

Second, career fairs or any networking events are essential. Most people see it as an opportunity to get a job and so, they wait till their junior or senior year before making any step to going for these events. Big Mistake!! These events are there to network and build relationships with companies you are interested in. When you meet with recruiters, you can ask them anything, literally. You can pick their brain while building a rapport with them and you could get to know more about the company they represent more than you can read from their website. Afterward, connect with them on LinkedIn to build the relationship.

Next, get involved with extracurricular events that will build your technical skills like entrepreneurship classes or competitions. If you are an English major, get involved in writing competitions if you are looking to work in the creative space. For an engineering major, get involved with design competitions or design team projects or research. These types of activities are also available nationwide and do not have to belong specifically to your school for you to be involved. So, do your research.

Additionally, minor in another course if you can. I understand that this would be an additional financial burden but if you think that the classes will be very beneficial to post-college life, then go ahead. This is optional and does not apply in all cases. Do not waste your money on a useless minor.

Online learning has and will always be a blessing. Meet with your professors to ask for guidance on the online certification courses that you should take that could be helpful to your resume. A lot of technical skills are developed solely based on your own passion and diligence. You should choose the ones that will be instrumental to your growth out of the ones suggested by your professors.

Another route to go is, visit company career pages to see the job description and requirements for positions you are interested in to know what it will take to be overqualified for the job.

Make a list and plan towards achieving the goal.

I wish you the best.

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

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

181969
 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

8790
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
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453597
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23964
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments