A Student's Guide to Job Searching

BY SOCHEATA MOK

Whether you have just started the process as an incoming undergraduate student or are well on your way to graduation, the job-seeking process can seem daunting. However, a College of Liberal Arts Career Counselor, Marlena Yang, says it does not have to be too difficult if you work smart.

USE YOUR RESOURCES

There are numerous off and on-campus fairs dedicated to internship and full-time positions, including the UMN Job & Internship Fair, held on Friday, February 28. This valuable opportunity allows students to connect with professionals in a wide variety of industries. It also offers student-to-student engagement by encouraging students to network with each other and practice their personal elevator pitch. If students are unable to attend the February fair, other networking, job and internship events are hosted throughout the year with diverse focuses and employers. Visit the UMN Career Services website (career.umn.edu/career-events) for more information.

UNDERSTAND WHERE TO LOOK

All students have access to GoldPass (powered by Handshake), a job and internship search platform for all UMN students and alumni. If you are interested in a specific organization, visit its website directly to learn more regarding available positions and company values. Accessing your network, whether it be family, friends or mentors, is an important step in the job hunt and outreach process. If you inform others that you are exploring a career or open job, you could be the first person in mind when they receive information about an available position.

KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS

Understanding and channeling your personal skills and professional experiences is crucial when articulating your value to a prospective employer. Reflection is a vast component of career development, therefore evaluation and self-awareness are key to success. Student employment is a beneficial experience for employers, as are the skills and knowledge gained in UMN courses. Do not underestimate the information you have gained from class material and projects, and ensure to reference it when speaking with a hiring manager or interviewer. Employers will understand if you have done your research about the organization, therefore dedicate time to educating yourself on the job description, the company and its role, and how you want to contribute to its success.

ACCEPT THE NO, CELEBRATE THE YES

While failure is unavoidable, it should be embraced! When receiving a “no,” ask for feedback, whether it be regarding your resume, cover letter or interview session. If an employer/interviewer fails to provide feedback when requested, that is a sign of its own. Let the rejection sit with you and analyze what you can do differently next time (hint: sometimes, it’s an issue with the specific position or employer, so do not be too hard on yourself). Do not dwell on it for too long as there are many other applications to submit, interviews to be had, and jobs to be done. Everyone will garner countless “no’s” in their career, so examine how to grow from it and move forward. Connect with a Career Counselor for more information regarding major/minor exploration, career development and more.

Keep in mind, the job searching process is different for everyone. Avoid comparisons to those around you and focus on your journey. Good luck, Gophers!