Good things take time. You have likely told your student this more than once. Nothing worthwhile happens overnight — and if they want something, they're going to have to work for it. Building their career takes the exact same grit. To get them started, we've gathered seven of the best ways they can develop professionally this semester:
1. Activate Handshake
Handshake is an online career portal with Huskers in mind. Once they activate their account, students can upload their resume, build their profile and start to apply for positions in the system. It's also a great way to research local and national companies, as well as find out who will be at upcoming career fairs and events.
2. Develop their resume
Resume writing may feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be! Your student has the opportunity to meet with members of the Career Services team to help develop their resume to represent themselves positively and persuasively. If they haven't created a resume yet, encourage them to start by checking out our online tips and guidelines: https://go.unl.edu/w4fj.
3. Find an RSO
Participating in Registered Student Organizations is a great way for students to make connections with their peers and faculty while working on their career outside of the classroom. Student organizations can be focused on their specific career goals or even just personal interests and causes. Taking on a leadership position develops skills employers desire.
4. Get to work
A part-time job on or off campus is a great way to develop skills useful in all fields such as communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills. An internship takes it a step further, introducing students to professional level activities. Either experience can lead to references and referrals.
5. Attend a career fair
Whether your student is on the job hunt or not, career fairs can be beneficial. Students can practice their networking skills, meet prospective employers, learn more about the jobs in their career field and gain confidence in interacting with professionals. Career Services coordinates career fairs focused on different fields in both fall and spring semesters.
6. Volunteer in the community
By volunteering, your student will be able to give back to the community while boosting their skills and experience. Volunteer opportunities are a great way to network and connect with professionals and peers and build experiences, all while helping others. They might even be able to find a volunteer role that coincides with their career goals! You can help them identify opportunities through GivePulse.
7. Meet with a coach
Academic and career coaches are available to your student to help them reach their academic and professional goals. Coaches can assist with exploring majors, learning about specific coursework, identifying career interests, developing persuasive resumes and more! Your student can schedule a meeting with an Academic or Career Coach through the MyPlan system, which connects students to campus resources.
These actions will benefit students personally and professionally, and need not be completed in one semester. Encourage them to pick one or two to pursue yet this semester and check in on them now and then to help keep their momentum going. Good things do take time, but that time can start now for your student!
More details at: http://careerservices.unl.edu