Now that you’ve got some free time on your hands, we’ve summed up exactly how you can use this first summer after college to open up new opportunities that’ll help you stand up to the competition after graduation.
Get the experience you need
Young, intelligent and ambitious graduates make for great new starters. So, employers will be looking directly at people like you when hiring for entry-level roles.
However, a good degree alone might not be enough to make you stand out anymore.
Gain some experience in the industry you want to work in. You’ll have a much better chance of getting the job you want. That’s what prospective employers are looking for: someone who still has a lot to learn but who can fit in and get started easily enough.
There are plenty of opportunities to get experience across a wide range of sectors and industries. Many companies offer work-experience placements to graduates.
Although most work experience placements usually aren’t salaried, you’ll reap the benefits of gaining some real-world experience. You’ll also impress future employers by demonstrating your commitment to getting into their industry.
Internships
Most employers want to hear about your dissertation and your hobbies at university. This is because they’re a great insight into your life and personality.
But your interviewer will really want to hear about internships you’ve completed.
Internships are (often) unpaid and can last for just a week or for several months. Do a little digging, find out about the internships available to you, and make sure that they work for you too.
For example, if the internship you’re interested in doesn’t have a clear structure, ask the company in question if you can be trained in the specific areas in which you’re keen to develop skills. This way, when you leave your internship and start interviewing for jobs, you can say that you’re trained and experienced in tasks you will need to complete in your future job.
Prepare yourself for the job market
The first summer after college is an ideal time to prepare yourself for the job market. Every college has a careers service, where you can find advice on the right career path for you.
If you haven’t already decided on the industry you’d like to work in, this service can prove invaluable information. It will equip you with the information you need to make a decision.
Once you’ve got that sorted, it’s time to start searching job sites for graduate positions that look suitable for you. When you’re looking through job descriptions, identify the skills you’ve already gained. Then, note down the areas where you need to get more knowledge.
This way, when it comes to interview time, you can show that you’ve started learning everything you need to know to do the job. Even if you haven’t gained experience in all areas of it.
It’s also important to update and optimise your online presence when you start your job search.
Make sure that your social media accounts are professional. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect all of the skills and experience you have. Connect with people who work in your chosen sector so you can build good working relationships and stay up to date with any news or events going on in your desired industry.
To fully prepare yourself for the job market, you’ll need a solid CV. It can be tempting to cram a lot of information into your CV. But try to remember that you’re just giving the reader a succinct overview of your skills and experience.
Stick to bullet points and short sentences when it comes to describing what you’ve done at your previous jobs or work experience, and write basic information like your contact details and your education at the top.
Even though you should keep your CV concise, it’s still important to show how your experience will add value to your future employer’s business. If you’ve got some experience in customer service. For example, you can talk about how this will help you to enhance customer experiences at your new workplace.
Network, network, network
Networking may sound simple but it’s actually an important thing to do, and it has potential to catapult your career prospects. It can offer you new perspectives, learning opportunities, potential for work experience, and much more. When you’re just starting out, new contacts are key to widening your professional network in order to access new opportunities.
When you begin an internship or you meet someone who works in your chosen industry, make a point of keeping in touch with them. You never know when you might need to ask for advice, and it’s worth maintaining a relationship so you’re at the front of their mind if any future opportunities arise.
It’s also a good idea to look out for local events within your industry. Panel discussions, seminars and networking events are all prime opportunities to meet people and get into the job market.
Travelling and volunteering
Travelling and voluntary work can also make you stand out as a potential candidate. Both of these activities show that you are a unique person who isn’t afraid to do something a little different.
It might seem insignificant. But if you can talk about the amazing experiences you’ve had during the summer since you left college and the skills you’ve developed, your interviewer will see you as a positive, interesting candidate who will most likely fit in well.
Both of these activities give you the opportunity to meet new people and work as part of a team. This means you’ll develop excellent communication skills by the time you secure interviews. In turn, you’ll come across as a confident and positive person.
Volunteering may also give you the chance to develop some leadership skills. If you can find a voluntary position where you’ll lead a team, your future employer will love to hear about it! After all, it demonstrates how you’re a competent, productive person who doesn’t shy away from heading up a team.
Embrace the summer after college
Even if it seems like it at the time, leaving college isn’t the end of the world. As a graduate, there are so many of opportunities for you. From exciting, entry-level jobs where you can start to climb the ladder, to international travel where you can make a difference abroad and really make your CV stand out.
Whatever you decide to do during your first summer after college, make sure it’s something that you want to do! And, something that will give your career an amazing boost.
About the author: This guest blog is written by Uninest Ireland, providers of comfortable and stylish student accommodation in Dublin. Have a look around for central, all-bills-included residences in the heart of the Irish capital.
