Use it early and often and know what you’re getting into when you go there. If you use it well it’s a place to plan, brand, and practice.
Don’t be late. Get to the career center early in your educational career. Start a resume early to keep track of work opportunities and internships. Get connected with alumni from your school in your field. Starting early will help you identify gaps and weaknesses early on so you can work toward rounding out your experience by looking for an internship or volunteer opportunity to further prepare you for a competitive job market. They can also help you develop your personal brand. Some centers hold photo days so you can get a more professional-looking headshot for your LinkedIn profile.
Set your expectations. A degree will certainly help you find work in your field, but it’s not a magic talisman. You’re competing with other graduates with the same degree and professionals early in their career for entry-level positions. As you finish courses and exams, you’re getting the minimum qualification. You’ll have to back it up with hard work on the job market to land your first gig. On average, it takes three to six months for new graduates to find a job. Your career center can help you that whole time, just know they don’t work miracles. Expect to put in the time to market yourself, prepare materials, and practice interviewing.
Education is just one qualifier, not the qualifier. Having degree in-hand means you’ve checked off an important pre-requisite for the job you’re applying for. You should list your education on your resume, but don’t give the starring role. Remember, you’ll share relevant education with other applicants, so you’ll want to focus on what makes you uniquely and objectively qualified for the position. Working with your career center can help you take an objective look at what you bring to a job and help you create a “brand.”
Show don’t tell. The mantra of English professors everywhere, “show don’t tell” applies to cover letter and resume writing also. You can tell a hiring manager that you “work well in collaboration with others.” They may or may not believe you. If you show it by objectively explaining your role and providing evidence of your contribution to a group capstone project (for example), you’ve given them a real picture of what they need to know about you and how well you work in collaboration with others. Use your career center to help you review what you’ve written and make sure it communicates clearly to a reader.
Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Interviews can stress even the coolest and most extroverted job candidate. The interview format and questions can be awkward. There might be several individuals you must meet with. You have a short window to make a connection and make an impression. Use your career center to get prepared well ahead of time. Schedule mock interviews to practice being in the hot seat and staying cool.
