Many students seem to focus on simply passing their classes as a means to get themselves into their chosen field. Unfortunately, it is not enough for students to do well in classes to be considered competitive in their fields. Here are some ideas for how to get your name and face out there before you graduate:
Join professional organizations
NSU has many professional organizations that can help students get involved in their respective fields before they leave school. Getting involved in these kinds of organizations can help you figure out if you really do want to work in the field you’ve chosen based on the experience you will earn by completing organizational duties. Additionally, working as a member of these organizations can introduce you to the kind of work you can do post graduation.
Network
Meeting people in your field before you graduate is a big deal. Networking through attending events like lectures, or by joining clubs and organizations can help you when you interview for jobs because of the connections you make during these opportunities. For example, you might meet someone that your potential employer knows, which can help you connect with them on a personal and professional level.
According to a study done by People and Strategy, modern companies are turning to platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to initiate discussions relevant to their business model as a way to filter possible candidates for work. This suggests that, as young professionals coming into your chosen fields, you can use the resources that you already probably are using for social connection as a means of connecting yourself professionally.
Participate in practicum and secure internships
According to a study done by the Journal of Education for Business, employers find that internship experience gives students the opportunity to have “real-world experience,” while also providing a space to cultivate communication and problem-solving skills, which are highly marketable in the now-implemented team models that most areas of the workforce are employing. Getting practical experience that is hands-on is important. It’s great to be able to say that you understand the theory behind certain things based on what you learned in class. However, applying those theories in real-world experiences will definitely set you apart from those who limited themselves by only taking classes.
Shadow a professional
If you are in a field like nursing where you are unable to secure a job yet because of your academic standing, consider shadowing professionals in your chosen field. Shadowing someone doing the job you’d be interested in doing could help you build your network and add experience to your resume. Moreover, you’d be able to have conversations and ask the person who you are shadowing questions about the field, which is a valuable didactic experience.
Conduct some research
Getting involved in research shows people that not only are you taking a vested interest in your discipline, but you are attempting to be a part of innovation in that field. You don’t necessarily have to conceptualize and implement your own project — unless you can or want to — since joining someone else’s already-established research team can be valuable as well.
In short, there are a myriad of options both on campus and off that can help you get a foot in the door, like your career and academic advisors or websites like Handshake and LinkedIn. The bottom line is that you could be an excellent student with straight A’s, but getting yourself out there before you graduate is crucial. This can only serve to help you when you’re applying to graduate programs, scholarships or jobs.
