10 ways to boost your job prospects whilst studying
By Helen Wilkinson in Student Jobs
With so many students graduates looking for jobs nowadays, employers are looking for applicants who stand out from the crowd. Make the most of your time at university by taking part in activities that will catch your potential employer’s eye and put you a cut above the rest.
My guide to increasing your job prospects whilst studying shows you 10 simple things that you what you can do at university to gain those ‘transferable skills’ that employers love so very much!
1. Take the lead!
Taking on leadership roles at university adds huge points to your CV. Whether it involves becoming your course representative, running for a position in the student union or being the head of the Scrabble Society- it all looks good to prospective employers.
2. Get a job!
Getting a weekend job is a great idea if you find that you’re not too bogged down with work. Not only will it earn you some extra dosh for nights out but it shows your ability to manage the precarious balance of your university work load with the demands of your job.
A lot of employers will look to your previous experience on your CV and even a part time job can make it look a lot better.
3. Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way of helping other people as well as developing your own skills. You could choose to volunteer at the university by running a society or mentoring others.
Alternatively, you could volunteer within the community maybe helping disadvantaged people. Whatever you’re studying there’s sure to be a volunteering position that interests you!
4. Get to know your tutors
University is one of the best places to start making industry contacts- get sucking up! Your professors can provide great references which will boost your job prospects tenfold. Not to mention they could have contacts working at THAT company and if you compliment their lectures enough they might just pass on your details!
Also, you may want to use them as an academic reference when you leave University. If they know you well then they will be sure to sing your praises. Sometimes it’s not just what you know but who you know.
5. Join Societies
This is probably the easiest and most fun way to boost your CV. Joining a society shows a willingness to get involved as well as your commitment and ability to work with a team- Simple!
There are also some free societies that you can join at University if you are not looking to spend money.
6. Work Experience
It may be tempting to just sit back and relax during the long summer break but taking a couple of weeks out to gain some work experience will help you massively in the long-term.
Many graduate jobs require some sort of industry experience, undertaking this early will mean you can jump straight in to finding a job when you’ve graduated and also shows you’ve had the initiative to be prepared.
In addition, be prepared to do it unpaid. There are plenty of students looking to apply for work experience and large firms take advantage by taking on students for free. Maybe you can try to shadow a director for maximum exposure to how your desired industry is run.
7. Document your experiences
Start a blog about your time at university- It’s an easy way for you to keep track of all the work you’ve done and the activities you’ve taken part in. It’s also a great way to show prospective employers what you’ve been doing with your time other than partying and writing essays!
Check out SaveTheStudent’s 4 simple steps to set up your own site. It’s easier than you think.
8. Get connected
Networking and building relationships with the right people are crucial part of finding a job nowadays, so make sure you’re involved with social networking sites like Twitter and LinkedIn. Try to collect contacts and build relationships with people that could prove valuable in the future- there’s no harm in being prepared!
9. Write for Save The Student!
Hey, what do you think I’m doing to boost my job prospects?! Save The Student are always on the lookout for students who love to write and want to share their views on university life with other students. It’s the most popular student money website in the UK and my articles get read by 1000′s of students. Interested? Click here to let us know!
10. Work hard!
Above all, the best thing that you can do for your job prospects is work hard at your degree! It’s a no brainer really, but getting a 2:1 at your degree is going to look better than a candidate who only got a 2:2. So, between all your fantastic extra-curricular activities, make sure you remember what’s really important!
Although, it’s not all bad if you get a 2.2 as our article “What to do if you get a 2.2” shows.
Finally
So there you have it. Those are my best tips on boosting your CV and making yourself more employable whilst at University. I am sure that most students will agree that the job market is getting tougher and the need to differentiate is strong. If you have any more tips or some really innovative ways of getting a job then please write in the comments below.
Last updated 30th November, 2011
