Three Career Strategies To Implement In College To Land A Job Or Internship

Searching for a job after college can feel daunting, especially with the uncertainty of today’s economy. It is expected to have anxiety about job hunting — after all, the pressure to land that first post-graduation role is real. But while the process might seem overwhelming, there are several ways to prepare yourself to have a job waiting for you after graduation. 

To help ease your anxieties, we have pulled together three strategies college students can use to get started.

Visiting your career center can be one of your most valuable resources when landing your first job after graduation. The career center is a one-stop shop for your post-college job search. According to Collegedata.com, many colleges have invested in career development and job placement resources provided through career services. They often offer personalized resume writing services, where a professional will review your resume and provide feedback on how to make it more appealing to employers.

In a recent NACE survey, graduating seniors who used career center services received more job offers than students who didn’t use the career center. They also provide mock interview sessions, where you can practice your interview skills with a career coach. Additionally, they offer job placement services and networking strategies. The career center is there for you, from resume writing to interview prep and networking skills to job placement services. 

GetSchooled.com, an online career hub for college students, says the career center helps you tailor your resume and cover letter to target specific roles, optimize your LinkedIn profile to boost your professional brand and explore potential career paths that align with your interests and skills. Whether you’re preparing for interviews or want to expand your network, the career center can give you the confidence and expertise to stand out to employers. 

LinkedIn is an excellent platform for enhancing your post-college job search. Karen Hollenbeck, a LinkedIn Consultant, Educator, and Mentor, shared her advice on LinkedIn.

“If you are in an active job search or starting to think about your next career move, it’s important to remember that hiring managers and recruiters across most industries use LinkedIn extensively to evaluate job seekers,” she wrote.

LinkedIn allows you to personalize your profile with past jobs and internships, apply for jobs and internships, post content related to your career, and connect with other professionals. It has 660 million users, 46 million of whom are students.

According to Jobscan, 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn to source and vet job candidates, so using the platform is a great way to get noticed by recruiters and build a network. To optimize your LinkedIn profile, you should ensure your profile picture is professional, your headline accurately reflects your career goals, and your summary provides a compelling overview of your skills and experiences. 

Marsha Herbert at TopResume.com advised keeping up with your professors and former managers to stay connected and informed about their career journey.

“LinkedIn can help you keep updated on your connections, your groups, and your company, as well as tabs on industry trends and reports,” she said.

While internships are crucial for gaining hands-on career experience, you should also consider the power of on-campus organizations. According to US News & World Report, extracurricular activities can impact your post-college job as much as your major. Whether student government, a student-run newspaper, or a club related to your major, these can be transformative for your personal and professional growth. They provide opportunities to gain experience, build connections, and shape your career trajectory.

According to BestColleges.com, joining an on-campus organization can boost your resume, make professional connections, develop new skills, and allow you to work with diverse people. These experiences are instrumental in building a resume that can stand out and impact your college journey by helping you foster connections and creating a supportive environment. Being involved in these organizations allows you to gain experience and shape your career trajectory.  

Searching for a job or internship can always feel daunting, especially in college. Implementing these tips early can help ease the stress of landing a role and can be continuously used throughout your career. These strategies can help build a foundation for your job.