Five Career Tips for College Freshman

Last Updated on September 12, 2024

If you are a college freshman, time is on your side. How, you may ask. You have 4 years to do all of the things you really need to do to set yourself apart from your classmates and the millions of other people that are competing for jobs. I know some college grads that are working in liquor stores or as cashiers in clothing stores. I don’t think this is where you want to work when you graduate (not that there is anything wrong with that). You need to position yourself now to be in the best bargaining position 3 and 4 years from now. Now is your chance to get ahead of the game rather than wishing you had been more diligent. So where to start? Take a read.

Internships:

There are all different types of internships, the important thing is to ensure you participate as often as possible. There are summer internships and internships where you participate part-time while you are in school (like c0-operative programs).

Obviously, the best internships go the quickest, but if you do your homework now (no pun intended), you can get a head start. If you don’t already know, internships give you practical experience before you get out into the working world. This experience is invaluable. Additionally, many graduating college students get their best leads (and sometimes jobs) from previous internships. And last, but not least, the connections you will make can make a huge difference in your career.

All Work, No Pay: Finding an Internship

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04/28/2025 05:10 am GMT

Semester Abroad:

There is nothing like international experience and the best way to get that is while you are a college student. Now if you have no interest in visiting a foreign country, then skip this bullet and move on to the next. But, before you do so, consider how this experience might help you get a job when you graduate. How great will it look if you can say you studied and lived abroad for part of your college career. Many colleges offer this type of experience and, if yours does, you should consider taking advantage. 

Be a Star – Volunteer:

There is nothing more powerful than volunteering. Besides the fact that you will be helping others who are in need, you will learn things that most people would pay to learn. You will learn skills that will become an asset in your career as well. Better yet, it looks great on your resume (the resume that will not have much on it when you graduate from college – and everything helps). Hiring managers look to see what you did during your college years. Did you just party or did you take advantage of opportunities to grow. Another advantage is the people you will meet, many of whom can have an impact on your career. 

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04/28/2025 03:53 am GMT

Participate in Every Career Fair:

You should attend every career fair that you can. It is never too early. What you will learn now will help you when you are looking for a job. But don’t limit yourself to your college, you can attend career fairs at other colleges as well as career fairs held for the general public.

Build an Amazing Network in Four Years:

Your network is your most important job search tool, don’t underestimate it. Make all of the friends that you can at school. Be active, and participate in clubs and sports. Volunteer on campus. All of the people you will meet in the next four years (students, professors, etc.) could play an important role in both your first job and your career. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity.

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Taking the Work Out of Networking: Your Guide to Making and Keeping Great Connections

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Failure after failure has led me to a foolproof formula for crafting a desirable networking email. With the skills you learn from this book, you will become a networking ninja, one who truly understands the psychology of conversing with people who can help you in your career. 

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04/28/2025 05:33 am GMT