We are launching a new project called “Jobzippers Career Guide”. Starting today, every Monday we will post interesting and useful career-related articles for you to be able to prepare yourself for a successful career.
If you’re starting your senior year it would not be an exaggeration to assume that you’re entering one of the most important periods in your life. For you to navigate through this important and exciting time, we came up with a general checklist containing the list of tasks for you to accomplish during your senior year. Feel free to adjust this checklist to better suit your particular situation.
Continuing your education
If you decide you want to apply to graduate or professional school, take some time to think if this is right for you personally, financially and academically. Note that the typical admission circle for the grad school is usually six to nine months long and requires multiple steps, such as writing personal statement, taking specific exams and requesting letters of recommendation. Identify what universities and programs you’re most interested in and learn about the application process in these particular schools. You can discuss your options with your academic or career counsellor.
Taking a gap year
You may consider a gap year to travel the world, get international perspective and a fresh outlook, and enhance your marketable skills. Also, once you get a full-time job, chances are you will only have a certain time to travel and it will be difficult to go on the extended vacation. Another way to spend your gap year in a useful way is to get an intern or volunteer experiecne. This will help you try yourself in a field of your interest and develop hands on skills in a particular career, as well as significantly boost your CV.
Clarifying your career plans
If you choose to go straight into employment, you have a long path ahead of you. Make sure to act while you’re still at school – this will give you a great advantage in your future career and increase your chances of getting employed.
Attending workshops
Go to Resume writing, Job search and Interviewing sessions offered at your school to polish your career management skills. Surf the net for recent articles with useful tips on career planning.
Improving your CV and cover letter
Keep rethinking and rewriting your CV until you are 100% satisfied with it. Have several people critique it and listen carefully to their suggestions. Use free CV-checks offered by Jobzippers.
Draft a cover letter that can be adapted for a variety of employers and make sure to adjust it to every single job you’re applying to.
Building your social media presence
It is no news that employers nowadays tend to Google people and view their social media profiles. During your senior year, make sure that your social media presence shows your best side. Build your LinkedIn profile and consider acquiring a Web-folio. Professionalize your digital identity and, as they say, clean the “digital dirt”. Untag and delete information you don’t want your potential employers to see on the web.
Building your networks
It goes without saying that the most of the today’s jobs are found through networking. Meet and stay in touch with the professionals in your industry and other industries as well – you never know where the best opportunity can come from. Go to networking events, both on and off campus. Come up with your elevator speech and don’t be shy to introduce yourself to people and stay in touch with them.
Identifying employers you’re interested in
Follow job announcements of your top employers. Keep an eye on whether they are going to visit your campus to interview candidates for their openings. Develop an employer list with contact names and addresses for organizations of your interest. Research them using the Internet. Try to see if they need a volunteer to assist with a project – this will allow potential employers to see how you work and consider you as a potential employee. Can you shadow somebody in the firm? Are there any internships available? Use any chance to engage with the companies you like and you may end up being employed with them right after you’re done with the university.
Planning to move in advance
If you plan on relocating make sure to start looking for accommodation and roommates several months in advance. Use websites like Craigslist and your local web resources as well as social media websites to search for apartments or rooms to rent. Relocation can be cosy so do save some money throughout the year to be able to handle the costs.
Establishing long-time connections with friends and classmates
When you graduate and enter a “real world” you might get carried away with new routines and lose touch with your fellows from university. Record contact information for friends, classmates, professors and others who are important to you and make sure to stay connected with them as they have greatly influenced who you are now and shared beautiful moments with you that you will never forget. Even though senior year might be tough and loaded with responsibilities, try to find time to have fun and enjoy the college life with your friend and peers!
