I have prioritized other speaking engagements over ones with college students for awhile, but the other day I met with a handful of sophomores, juniors and seniors who had myriad questions about work in the real world.
Here are a handful of tips you can share with a student you know, in no particular order.
- The quality of tangible real-life work isn’t as important as the fact you have tangible real-life work. Ask a local brand if you can help with their marketing. Volunteer your skills to a local organization. Opt for classes that have you produce real work (a rebranding guide for a real-life brand, a class that produces a magazine, etc.,)
- Include a few hobbies on your resume. It’s as awkward going into interviews for the interviewee as it is the interviewers. Give us something to help break the ice. At the end of the day, anyway, if you match the same qualifications as another – the person who has a more cultural fit will get the job.
- The real interview is the one you schedule, not the one they schedule. In other words, reach out and ask for informational interviews. Ask them questions before they ask you them. Every time, the people who give you the informational interview will be the ones to give the decision-maker feedback on how awesome you are.
- Uncomfortable asking for informational interviews or it’s too soon? Then use your student card. Use a homework assignment to interview someone’s life in the job role you think you want. Let people know you’re a student and working on a school assignment to get an in. It’s incredible how many professionals are happy to help a student.
Stay Positive & Hit Me Up If You Want More Tips (And I’m Always Happy To Review A Resume)
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Garth Beyer is a Certified Cicerone®, Senior Content Specialist at Encompass Technologies, owner of Garth's Brew Bar and a Madison-based freelance writer.
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