Life After College

How can a college student prepare for life after college?

It’s important to ingrain in your children that college isn’t just fun and games, but more importantly the training ground for life after college. How college students spend their time in college can impact the rest of their lives, especially in regards to their career.

Research
Career services on campus are often times under-utilized by college students, even though it’s an invaluable resource to help them set career goals and make connections. College students should research job titles to see if an unusual, yet appealing one, catches the eye. Once a few job titles have been identified, it’s time to start researching companies with similar positions, and then making connections within those companies. It’s also pertinent to pay attention to news reports regarding new fields opening up, or what skills are in demand.

Network
Parents need to talk to their college student about ways to use their college years that will benefit them in the future. One of the most important things a college student can do is network. This is the perfect opportunity as they are meeting professors who are experts in the fields they teach. College students should join professional organizations in their field, as well as campus groups that are devoted to topics in their chosen field.

Internships
Internships are key in setting people apart. Not only can an internship help a college student make impressive connections, but the experience can also help the student decide if the field is really the right one for them. Employers are more likely to hire someone who has done an internship in their field, as this person will have real world experience.

LinkedIn
The sooner a LinkedIn profile is created, the better. College is the perfect opportunity to start growing a professional online network. College students should start making connections with professors, peers, companies of interest and people who work in their chosen field. Networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter can be used to help grow a professional network, however sharing too much of the wrong kind of information can be detrimental to future careers. Instill in your college student a sense of responsibility when using these sites.

Adam Hoffarber
Director
McKinley Group