ONE STEP AHEAD!
For many of you, graduation is near! Congratulations on an exceptional accomplishment.
In preparing to enter the working world, many of you may have a bundle of emotions to
include: fear, confusion, determination, etc. Here are a few tips that may help prepare you
for your next journey:
Internship
Many of the college/universities now require obtaining an internship prior to graduating.
If this is not a requirement, I recommend you try looking for an internship that helps in
developing your business skills and your resume. Internships allow you to obtain working
experience, a taste of what to expect in the future, and development of skills prior to
starting your career. You never know once you get that foot in the door what career
opportunities may present themselves. Whether this is a paid or unpaid internship take the
opportunities that the companies offer in learning new skills and going that extra mile to
challenge yourself.
Materials
Some things to think about prior to graduating are obtaining interview/working attire you
may need for interviews. If entering the finance world you may want to purchase a few
suits for interviewing or if entering the manufacturing world may want to purchase some
business casual options. Make sure you have a nice portfolio to bring with you to
distribute your resume, take notes, keep business cards, etc. Have your cover letter and
resume ready to begin sending out 2-3 months prior to graduating to give companies and
yourself enough time to interview and secure a position once you graduate!
Keep an Open Mind
Remember to keep an open mind regarding your job search and your wage requirements.
If your research shows that an industrial engineer’s starting wage is 45k, please keep in
mind if you have no experience in engineering you may have to start at 25k to show the
company your skills. In 2-3 years you may be at the wage you desire, once the company
evaluates your abilities. Always remember if you are not obtaining interviews for your
career of choice, there is always an option of temporary work to have money coming in
while searching for your career position.
Grades/GPA
If graduation is near or down the road in a couple years, think about your GPA and what
that can do for your career opportunities. Always picture that a company has 2 candidates
with the same qualifications and experience and one candidate has a GPA of 2.7 and one
with a GPA or 3.2, that candidate with the higher GPA may be offered that position. Do
the best you can do in school and take it seriously, many employers do evaluate GPA in
comparing resumes and some are now requiring a 3.0 overall.
Updating Email Accounts
Many college students use their college .EDU e-mail accounts for their contact info,
whether it is academic or personal in nature. Once you graduate, most of these accounts
will be terminated and you will lose all information, including old email messages and/or
contacts. If a student plans to create a new e-mail account after graduation, they can
create the account prior to graduation. If a student creates a new account before
graduating, they then have time to notify all of the contacts (Professors/Previous
Employers/Personal Contacts, etc) in the school account about the change. Remember to
keep it professional, instead of using your pets name or favorite activity (ex.
GolfLover98@yourmail.com); use your full name or a more professional address (ex.
John.Doe@yourmail.com).
Get References and Recommendation Letters
Most employers request three references on their job applications, and some employers
require letters of recommendation. Before graduation, students can meet with those
people they want to list as references and ask their permission for doing so (such as
professors, campus employers, etc.). It's a good idea to request a letter of
recommendation from Professors/Supervisors prior to graduation because it's easier for
that person to remember the good qualities of your work and may write more about you
due to the fact they are still in contact with you everyday.
Timing is everything! Make sure you are prepared months prior to graduating so you are
able to secure that career position. Always remember when you graduate so do many
others, be that graduate that is one step ahead.