Job Search Prep for the College Student

One of the first steps in preparing to begin a college level job search or hunt for an internship begins with some soul-searching and preparation.  Many of the students that I work with don’t know where to begin to figure out this information and many time, they don’t feel as if they have any accomplishments to draw upon. Let’s take a look at some accomplishments as they relate to college:

School/Classes: Have you led any team class activities? What were the results? What was your role in these? Did you receive any scholarships? For what? Did you make the Dean’s List or another academic level of success? How is your grade Point Average? Is it worth listing on your resume? What major classes are relate to your major? What classes are your favorites? Why? What classes don’t you like? Why?

Jobs: What did you do? Where was this position? Did you work at this job while attending classes? Did your manager ever congratulate you for a job done well? Why? What represents success in this position? Have you reached success? Why/How?

Clubs/Sports: What did you do? Did you have a leadership role? Did activities in this club involve any fund-raising? What was the result of this?

Greek Life: What was your role in the fraternity or sorority? How many fundraising or service activities did you hold? What were the results of these? Did you attend any conventions? What role did you play in these? Why were you selected to attend these conventions?

Skills: What do you think are your strengths? Why? What technical or business related skills do you possess? What are your soft skills or “people” skills? What are some examples of these?

Other: If you were to look at your jobs, internships and activities, what are you most proud of? Why?

Your responses to these questions will help you in all parts of your job search. The next step is to write them out and them apply the pertinent ones to your career assessment interests, resume draft or interviewing responses.