LEVEL UP: Three Easy Steps Toward a Dream Job
By Sharon Marts, Graphics by Gillian Estes
Curious about how to prepare for a job now? If you think you can’t take actionable steps toward a meaningful job right now, you’re wrong! Just take a moment to inventory your experiences, and let the energy you are investing in school and outside areas serve as momentum toward the future job you hope to find, as you build more skills on your resume during your time as a student.
Do three simple things:
☑️Ask yourself - what skills and interest areas do I have now?
☑️ How do I find and obtain the skills I need?
☑️ And once you start getting those skills and experiences - promote them!
FIRST: Ask yourself, "What skills and interest areas do I have now?"
Even if you are not sure if things you have done “count” as skills, you can break down those experiences and roles you’ve taken on for their value:
✨ Took part in a service experience on campus (e.g., COTS service day)
🤝 Acted as a mentor or leader in a club or Greek organization
💖 Volunteered at a non-profit off-campus
📣 Used Canva for making marketing materials that get seen
🎁 Solicited donations by email/phone, or in person
🚮 Helped in a nature or outdoor experience with others
💼 Formally volunteered, or held an unpaid or paid job (including internships)
Don’t have any of the above skills (or just want to add more)?
- Seek out experiences providing tangible skills that relate to jobs you want.
- Check out unpaid or paid positions at local companies and nonprofits
- Visit the Career Center or use Handshake for jobs or internships
- Check out the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) service-learning, and community engagement postings with Community Partners
Find the role that fits your interest area and skill needs, then use that placement to grow your capability in areas that are useful for a future job.
Last! PROMOTE yourself in a way that gets you seen (and hired)!
- Visit the Career Center or use Handshake for jobs,internships, or volunteer roles
- Make an appointment with a LARC tutor for help writing your resume, or a Career Student Advisor through LoboConnect for assistance
- Work to refine your resume with powerful phrases, succinct wording, and even ChapGPT help
- Craft cover letters, thank you follow-ups, and other correspondence that sells you, and all your amazing skills!
