12 Ways to Build your Resume in College |
Ways to Build your Resume in College Infographic
Once you leave college, you’ll be looking for a job. 66 % of hiring managers say college graduates are not prepared for the workforce after leaving college. With stats like that you need to be prepared for a rough job market. What you do in college can build a powerful resume and help you stand out after graduation!
- Join a club freshman year.
Get involved with a club early in your college career. Not only will you meet new people, but your resume will also reflect your dedication to a group. Bonus points if the club is related to your major! - Take on a leadership role.
The longer you stay with a club, the better chance you’ll have at taking on a leadership role. Organize events, handle club finances, or manage the group’s Facebook page. Hiring managers dig these skills. - Bring in group speakers.
Put yourself in a position within a club on campus to bring in career-relevant speakers. Organize networking nights or panel discussions to learn from the speakers – and get your name out there! - Try out a campus ambassador role
Lots of companies hire college brand reps to expand their presence at campuses. Find a field you’re passionate about and scout for potential campus positions. - Become an internship expert
Don’t wait until your last year of college to dive into internships. Start early and explore roles with companies in your field. Look at internships with small and large companies to get a well-rounded idea of what you enjoy. - Pick up a new language
In today’s global economy, having diverse language skills will propel you to success. Learn a second-or third-language by taking classes at your school or studying online. - Learn to code
Understanding the basics behind the web is useful for almost every industry, even if you’re not a computer programmer! Sign up for a class at your university or check out some free online classes to bump up your coding knowledge. - Build a digital portfolio
Showcase all the hard work you put into your classes and internships with an online portfolio! Many sites have free options to create portfolios that are simple to use. You can purchase your own domain for your portfolio on sites like NameCheap or Dreamhost. Add a link to your portfolio on your resume to wow hiring managers. - Study in a new place
Just like learning a new language, sstudying abroad makes you a worldlier candidate for any job. Put your language skills to the test when you study abroad or choose a program that lets you intern in a new country. You’ll have many more professional skills to show off whatever you choose! - Create an online presence
Enhance your presence on Twitter and Linkedln to present a professional image to the working world. Your profiles should not only reflect your professional interests, but some personality too! Further build your digital footprint by starting your own blog about your industry. Blogging is a fantastic way to show your knowledge of the field and keep up-to-date on industry news. - Pick up contract or freelance work
Small businesses and startups are always looking for a little extra help to get their brands up and running. See if you can pick up part-time contracting gigs to contribute some code or blog posts in your free time. Not only will you likely make a little extra cash, but you’ll help a small business grow! - Volunteer in your community
Volunteering in your community shows that you can think on your feet, manage others, and be a leader. Tie your volunteering to a professional passion, or try something completely new to break up your routine.
Via: blog.boundless.com
Rick W. Burkett runs the John A. Logan College Teaching and Learning Center, teaches history, heads runs an educational nonprofit. He publishes blogs on a wide variety of topics, including history, teaching and learning, student success, and teaching online.