The earlier you start your career path, the easier it will be to get a good job after graduation. Check out these career tips for college students. 

Tips to Start Building Your Career Being a Student

Although studying in a college is a full-time commitment, it is not an excuse to not work towards your future career. After all, it is probably one of the reasons you applied to college in the first place. 

With the right balance and organized approach, students can start building their skills and portfolio with summer vacancies, freelance opportunities, and extracurricular activities. In partnership with experts from job aggregator Jooble, we’ve gathered top tips on how to begin your career journey while in college. 

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The first thing is, of course, to set your goals and priorities. Probably, you already have an idea of what field you are aiming for. It is perfect if it aligns with your academic curriculum. Follow these tips as soon as you decide on the professional area you are interested in.

Try Volunteering

One of the easiest ways to gain the necessary experience is volunteering. There are plenty of opportunities out there for almost any major. Or you can create opportunities yourself – for example, offer your help with something you are good with to a volunteer organization. 

Volunteers understand the industry better, learn from professionals, and train their skills. At the same time, they can make a positive change, so it is a win-win situation. 

It is ideal if your volunteering is related directly to your future career. But even if not, it is still a good point for a resume. 

Search for an Internship

Another great way to get into the industry is to apply for an internship. In such a program, you’ll work with experts who know all about the field. It is a fantastic opportunity to gain knowledge and develop essential skills for a future job.

Also, it helps with networking and getting to know people with the same interests. For some students, internships can result in a job offer, which is always a plus. In any case, you’ll get practical experience to add to the theory. 

Consider Freelancing

Of course, not every job can be performed this way. However, in most cases, you can find services you can offer to people as a freelancer.

For example, if you are in Computer Science, you can do web development or UI/UX design as a freelancer. You’d get to decide on your load and schedule. And you’ll also earn some extra money to support college life. 

Meanwhile, you build your portfolio, develop your skills, and create a network of potential customers or partners. 

Build Personal Brand

We live in a digital world, and an excellent professional must be aware of that. Working on a personal brand means, first of all, being smart about your online presence. 

Every post or comment you make represents you as a person and future employee. So be sure to establish a good reputation. Create and maintain professional-looking profiles on the social media you use. And for a future career, it is a good idea to be on LinkedIn. 

If you are freelancing, your personal brand may include a website with your portfolio, whether those are scientific articles, photography, or music. 

Check Out Work-Study Programs

If those are available in your college, look closely into such opportunities. If they relate to your future career, it can be a great chance to get both theory and practice on point. 

Some might even go for such programs abroad, which is always a plus. 

Conclusion

There is no such thing as starting too early when it comes to a career. Even college extracurriculars can be a great resume feature when related directly to the industry. Look into opportunities to gain first-hand experience, network, and work on your reputation.