Starting to build foundations for your career is very important if you have decided what you want to do when you grow up. It is always better to start early. Career foundation building starts as early as high school when you fill out the application for college and prepare your resume. Getting into a good university will help you make sure that your alma mater after you graduate is known and respected by your employers.
Deciding on a career can be difficult. For some, it may take years to figure out whom they want to become and for some, they don’t need a second’s thought. Career building can be tricky, so here are eight career advice tips for you to help you figure everything out.
1. FIGURE OUT WHAT ORGANISATION YOU WANT TO WORK FOR AND WHAT QUALIFICATIONS THEY REQUIRE.
After you figure out what field you want to work in, for example- advertising, finance, marketing etc- start making a list of potential companies you could work for. If you are aiming for an internship or summer job or if you want something permanent, see if your shortlisted companies offer you the same.
Do thorough research about all these companies and see if they offer graduate programs, apprenticeships etc. Find out about the workings of the company, what kind of qualifications they need for you to apply.
2. LINKEDIN
LinkedIn is the most important platform when it comes to finding a job or an internship in any organisation. Through LinkedIn, find out any other interns or employees who work for the company and about their experiences.
Find out what it’s like working there, about their experiences, perks which are offered to employees and so on. They will surely be willing to help you with this because they were in your shoes as well. Don’t be afraid to ask even the silliest questions- get everything clear about the company before you apply.
3. USE YOUR NETWORK AND CONNECTIONS
If you want to work as an intern on Pinterest and your uncle knows someone from there, make use of that network! Ask your uncle to request the person they know for a meeting with the person who handles all interviewees. Make sure that you make the best use of all your networks and connections.
4. CHOOSE YOUR SUMMER JOBS OR INTERNSHIPS WISELY
If you are looking at working with a company like Instagram or Google, and they require you to do at least 2 summer internships, make sure you choose wisely. If you’re interested in working with the company in regard to marketing, don’t waste your chances by doing an internship in finance or content writing.
If your aim is at social media marketing, make sure that you select the summer internships which will help you get the job. Select your internships wisely because they will be very helpful for you later.
5. CONCENTRATE ON YOUR EDUCATION
If you are thinking of applying for a job in the later years and think that this year’s educational qualifications will not be important, then such a thought process will deter you from bagging the job. The company has the right to ask for any of your past educational qualifications so make sure that your academics leave a good impression.
Good academic achievements will speed up your process of getting the job in the later years because the employer will know that you can handle difficult tasks and pressure.
6. KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
Knowing what you are good and weak at is important so that you can strengthen the areas you are good at and can work on the areas you think need more improvement. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is important so that you can choose the correct job in the right company.
Without knowing your strengths and weaknesses you cannot hope for getting the job you want and deserve.
7. ITS NEVER TOO EARLY
Starting early is the key. Make sure you do your research well about the company so that you can build your character and resume perfectly. When you go to the interview later, your employer knows that you started early and knew from the very beginning what you wanted to do. Make sure that you start as soon as possible after you know what you want to do.
8. IT’S THE JOURNEY NOT THE DESTINATION
The career decision you start with is only the beginning. Career journeys are never a straight line but have many detours along the way. If there is a setback, encourage yourself to see it as a learning opportunity. Tell yourself that making mistakes is part of the process. If you experience rejection from the other side, make sure you work on yourself even harder.
By Suhaani Hardikar