As the costs of earning a college degree continue to rise to astronomical levels, college students are under more pressure than ever before to make the most out of their time at a college, whether it is at a physical campus or an online program.
There are some simple, effective, and truly beneficial steps that college students can take to help ensure that they land a high-paying job position right out of college.
Start with these seven effective strategies to get your future career off to a good start.
Step 1: Get to Know Your Academic & Career Counselors Right Away
First and foremost, college-bound students should make the effort to get to know their academic and career counselors as soon as possible. It is best to begin this process while still in high school if able. Otherwise, at the beginning of the college entrance process.
Step 2: Choose Your Major After Careful Thought Sooner
College students today risk losing valuable time and money if they do not put careful thought into choosing their major early on.
Step 3: Take Steps to Network within the Business Community Now
It is never too early to begin the steps to build networks within the business community. These relationships are going to be crucial in getting a higher-paying job fresh out of college.
Step 4: Begin College Classes Early in High-School if Possible
Many high schools now offer college-level classes while a student is still in high school. This can save students hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars and save valuable time as well.
Step 5: Plan to Work During Summer Breaks to Build Experience & Develop Better Job/Relationship Building Skills
College students should plan to work during summer and other breaks. This helps to build work experience and positive job seeking along with actual work-related skills that will be useful later as good character and work references.
Step 6: Take College Seriously & Avoid Career Busting Behavior
Some college students waste their college years going to parties, socializing with friends, and otherwise goofing off when they could have been putting forth more effort in getting more out of their time in class during those years.
Many college students are surprised when they have trouble getting the job position and salary that they desire due to a poor character reputation. Students should also be keenly aware of what is being posted on social media that could come back to bite them when seeking a job after graduation.
Some things to avoid at all costs include:
- Posting illegal, rude, questionable, or too personal information or pictures on social media.
- Getting involved with drugs, wild parties, drinking and driving, or generally being in the wrong place.
- Sharing intimate photos with sexual partners or friends online.
- Being in compromising situations that others may be filming or recording.
- Engaging in illicit campus prohibited behaviors like vandalism, cheating, or fighting.
Remember, most employers today check job applicant’s social media presence, perform criminal background checks as well as investigating past education and character history for screening purposes.
Step 7: Utilize Job Preparation Services like Writing an Impressive Resume’ & Practicing Interview Skills
Take advantage of available job preparation services like resume’ writing and practicing positive interview skills. You can never redo a first impression.
