How to Start Preparing for a Career During University

Preparing for a career during university can seem like an uphill battle. You may not know what to do, where to turn for information, or even what career you want to pursue after you graduate. On top of that, you might also be contending with the stress of getting ready for final exams and passing your classes.

Rather than waiting until the last minute to begin your job search, take a proactive approach and start thinking about your career options as soon as possible. Whether you're just in your first year or a few weeks away from graduation, here are a few tips to help you prepare for a career during university.

Consider experience-based learning

The first step you can take towards preparing for a career is to look for apprenticeships and internships. Think of them as an opportunity to develop the skills you've learned about in the classroom. Start your search by looking at your university's job board — chances are you'll find several companies in your area looking for interns to join their team. You can also reach out to business owners on professional social networks such as LinkedIn to ask them if there are any internship opportunities available.

Once you secure an internship, your goal should be to learn as much as possible. Ask your supervisors questions about how to do the job. Get to know other coworkers and interns who may already be working at the organization. The more you can get involved with the team, the more likely you'll develop the skills needed to succeed in your career.

Develop relationships with corporate recruiters

Campus job fairs present another great opportunity to prepare for a career. You can use them to develop relationships with corporate recruiters and learn about the opportunities available after you graduate. A job fair is also an excellent place where you can ask recruiters about their opinion on the course work and concentrations required to secure an entry-level position in their company. They’ll be happy to discuss the skills and education you should have, and offer useful input that can help you improve your career prospects.

Corporate recruiters typically have a vast network of contacts, which means that they can also connect you with other people who can guide you through your career search. It's always a good idea to develop a relationship with recruiters early in your university experience, as this will give you enough time to figure out what you want to get out of your career.

Develop your business skills

Even if your intention isn't to pursue a career in business, take the time to develop your business skills, as they will have a significant impact on your career search. These must-have abilities extend across nearly every industry. The essential business skills to develop include negotiation, communication skills, and problem-solving skills. You'll find that most jobs require you to have at least one or all of these skills, which is why it's important to develop them early in your search.

Your business skills will also help you stand out against other candidates who may have similar educational achievements. For example, suppose you're studying to become a software engineer after graduation. If you have the same grades as another student competing for the same role, what will make you stand out? In most cases, it will be your business skills and an ability to get along well with others. If you develop these proficiencies now, you'll be way ahead of the curve in your career search.

Horizon Residence, a popular University of Alberta student housing option, offers many resources to help students prepare for a career after graduation. Contact us today for more information.