The College Juice

I know you may feel like you are just starting to get settled on campus, but this is also the time to get focused on your career. If you are the type of student who is motivated by success and making a difference, then it’s important to start your career strategy now.

Students can experience a lot of anxiety and pressure about transitioning from college to their dream careers. So, with your campus bookstore, we want to help set you up for the success you deserve and help you showcase the talents you bring to the table. Time flies by quickly in college so it is important to build experiences and skills that will help you stand out in the workplace and your community after you graduate.

If you are taking the time to read this then you are most likely the type of student who will:

• Do what it takes to maximize your career resources
• Get experiences that will help you stand out from a crowd
• Invest in your future

And this will pay off for you as you build a competitive advantage in the job market!

Launching this term, I’ll be sharing tips and advice; connecting you to helpful resources online and on campus; hosting twitter events and live workshops from campus bookstores across the country all about career prep. We will tackle the topics that you’ve told us are on your mind:

• Networking
• Personal Branding
• Finding Mentors and Sponsors
• Getting Organized
• Internships
• Developing skills that get you hired
• Leadership and Influence
• Managing stress and prioritizing your health

Send us your feedback and questions to [email protected] or tweet me @joansnyderkuhl so we can bring you the resources that matter most to you! Even if our workshop doesn’t make it to your campus, we will make sure you have access to the information and strategies to launch your dream career right here on The College Juice.

Let’s kick this off with a must do list for your first 2 weeks back at school:

1. Find a Mentor – a faculty member, leader in your academic department, a Dean, Graduate student or an Alumni are great people to get to know (It’s never too early to understand the value of building relationships with Mentors and Sponsors)
2. Book an appointment with your Career Center (even if you are in your 1^st year on campus) Learn more about your school’s resources, career fair schedules for internships and full time positions, employer and alumni connections. Develop a relationship with a career advisor so they will keep you in mind as opportunities and events arise around your interests.
3. Get involved – on your campus AND in your school’s community. Most schools host a student activity fair within the first couple of weeks back to school. Make an effort to meet and get to know different organizations. If you don’t see an organization that matches what you are looking for then start your own!
4. Plan to drop by Professor office hours – Prioritize the two courses you feel will be most challenging for you this semester. Introduce yourself and ask for their advice and expectations around best mastering this subject and staying ahead of assignments.
5. Send a note to introduce yourself and share your excitement for being a part of this school to one of its top leaders– could be a Dean, President or Chancellor…Trust me, they want to hear from you and could be great sponsors throughout your education experience.
6. Stop by your bookstore – check out the Career Section and the area with titles related to your major. Maybe pick up a journal to record your student and career goals to remind you how important it is to plan ahead.

Stay tuned to The College Juice for more tips and information. And we want to hear from you! If you have any questions, reach out at [email protected] or tweet Joan directly @joansnyderkuhl

Written by Guest Blogger, Joan Kuhl

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