As a new, or soon to be, new graduate, employers understand that you have limited work experience. So what can you do? You can always work an internship or two while you're earning your degree. But how else can you prepare for your career? Putting together a well-rounded resume is a great way to start! Here are a few ways you can build your resume, while still in college, to set yourself up for job hunt success.
- Student Organizations: An active membership in an organization is great to include as an activity. By taking it a step further and holding an officer position, you will be able to potentially list it is as a job on your resume, demonstrating your initiative and leadership skills.
- Volunteer Work and Work Study: You can volunteer at tutoring centers, libraries, and departmental offices to develop valuable career-related skills including: business/office etiquette, computer and phone skills, time management, and more. While you can acquire these skills at your first job, having them already on your resume when you graduate will set you apart from other job candidates. Anywhere on campus that offers work study hours will give you the opportunity to develop these skills.
- Scholarships and Awards: Awards are an excellent way to distinguish yourself as a student and set you apart from your peers, showing employers you are driven to success. You can find awards by searching online for grants and scholarships related to your major. Most grants will require some additional work, but this will pay off in money in your pocket while you are still in school and when you graduate and are applying to jobs. Also remember you can include in your resume any other awards of distinction like admittance to honor societies, Dean’s lists, and so forth.
