There are many thoughts that may go through a student’s head
when beginning college. Many students are worried about making new friends,
being away from home and on their own for the first time, finding independence,
choosing a major, re-creating one’s self-image, time management, - the list
goes on and on. With everything else going on during this major life
transition, staying career focused is often times pushed to the back burner.
It is completely normal for students to go through this
transitional period – but at some point it is crucial for a student to re-focus
on his or her goals, and the sooner the better. We have often times hear the
expression “You get what you put into it”, and that is true for college as
well. This is the time period for you to gain as much knowledge and experience
as you can in order to make yourself marketable to the work force when it is
time for you to graduate.
The University Of Tampa Office Of Career Services offers an
amazing workshop called “What Makes YOU Stand Out?” in order to help students
with setting themselves above other candidates when applying for jobs. One of
the questions that this workshop helps answer is “Why should a company hire you
over all of the other job candidates?” Think about it – there are thousands of
students in your graduating class, all taking similar classes, all competing
for the same jobs as yourself upon graduation. It is your time to differentiate
yourself.
A professor of mine, who used to hire for the previous
company that he worked for, told my class that having a high GPA is noteworthy,
but if all that candidate did was take classes then he usually wouldn’t hire
that person. He told our class that he would much rather hire a candidate with
a lower GPA (note: a 3.5 compared to a 4.0) who is well rounded and that gives
of him or herself. He mentioned that students should join organizations,
volunteer, and be involved with things that are going on. He said that doing
things like those mentioned above prove that the candidate is dedicated to
working without compensation, can work with and get along with other people,
and has great time management.
But, where to start? The University of Tampa offers a
plethora of resources that are great to help create a well-rounded,
one-of-a-kind student. There are over one hundred clubs and organizations at The
University of Tampa and many more resources. Getting involved gives you the
opportunity to take leadership roles, network and gain experience in your field.
Getting involved on campus will also give you more experience to put on your
resume in order for you to land your first position.
Remember that it is a process to build your resume, get
experience, and show employers that you are who they should hire. Get started
as soon as you can and when it is time to graduate you will be prepared for
what is next to come.
Tori Williams
Marketing Intern, Office of Career Services
The University of Tampa
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