If only securing the job of your dreams was as easy as gaining a degree and immediately being snapped up by employers. It is important to remember that employers are faced with hundreds of graduate applicants. A degree is something to be extremely proud of. But those most likely to stand out will have expanded their skills by taking part in both academic and social activities. Ask yourself – what can you do to make your CV show off the best version of you? What can you do to make employers excited to recruit you in comparison to other applicants? Here are just a few ways you can utilise your time at university to help increase your job prospects.
Set up a LinkedIn Account
You have probably had hundreds of emails highlighting the importance of a LinkedIn account. Perhaps then, you are a LinkedIn pro. Or maybe you completely ignored your lecturer’s advice instead. While there are definitely more exciting social media platforms, LinkedIn will be the most valuable for your career.
It allows you to create a business profile where you can upload your CV, create status updates on any personal achievements and connect with others in multiple industries. This not only helps you network but also boosts your professional visibility. Employers can search your profile and recommend you for potential job roles that are best suited to your experience.
Uni Opportunities
There will be lots of academic opportunities for you to get involved in, either through the University or its partners. And they extend much further than your course itself. You could sign up for a free language course or contribute to volunteering opportunities available such as becoming a literary ambassador for local schools. You could even become a student representative for your department.
I am currently working towards my Personal Skills Award. This has helped develop skills such as time management and communication in the workplace. These opportunities are not only extremely fun and rewarding. They also show that you are willing to build on a number of different skills vital in the working world.
Part-Time Work
Showing that you have had experience in a working environment or have worked with different brands and companies on projects is essential to securing most jobs. Businesses do not want to train graduates from scratch. That means any experience you can get while you are at Uni will definitely be worth it! Of course, gaining a paid part-time job can be difficult, as there will be thousands of other students trying to do exactly the same.
If you are able to, applying for local jobs and handing in your CV at bars, pubs, restaurants and shops is really useful. You don’t necessarily have to gain experience in the industry you want your future career to be in. Most jobs allow you to build on the basic skills that you will need. If your Uni advertises any jobs on Campus this may be an even better opportunity as these jobs will be especially flexible around your studies.
If you are unable to find any paid opportunities in your local area, volunteering for charities or projects can be just as valuable. Also, signing up to online student websites like UniTaskr are great ways to work with brands and gain experience. You take part in one-off tasks without being committed to a certain number of hours a week. This is especially perfect for those with busy schedules!
Societies
Getting involved in student societies is perhaps the most enjoyable part about Uni. What if I told you this could also increase your job prospects at the same time?
Societies show that you are dedicated and passionate about a range of things. They also show that you are a well-rounded person. There are endless numbers of societies to join so you are bound to find at least one that you will love! Employers will be able to look at any work you did with your society as well as your grades. They will value this much more than if you spent every hour of everyday committed to nothing but studying. Balancing extracurricular activities with your course shows that you have great time management skills, can work well as a team and have an exciting personality. All while doing wonders for your wellbeing! It’s a win win!
See also: The highs and lows of studying French at university