How to Set the Stage for Your Career While Still in School
Meet people and try new things to get a leg up on your career path.
One of the most common life ambitions people have is achieving a successful career. Who doesn't want to be the next Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, or Warren Buffett?
This quick and simple guide will reveal some small things you can do during your post-secondary years (or even high school, if you want a jumpstart) to help make a big impact on your career in the future.
1. Go Out There and Meet New People!
They say that you'll meet more new people during your post-secondary years than at any other time in your life — and that's true. Every new class, semester, and year will also bring you new faces and friends.
One of the best things you can do to set the stage for your career is to meet new people. Yes, you heard that right. No matter how lazy or tired you feel, get out there! Say hi to the person sitting next to you in class, join student clubs and associations, and participate in campus events!
These faces won't just be your new friends and study buddies — they'll also be your connections and help build your network. It's a small world after all, so you never know who knows who! Your new classmate could be the bridge to the hiring manager at your dream company.
2. Be Social and Attend Networking Events
Tying in with the first point, networking events are the perfect place to meet new people. These events provide you with the opportunity to connect with professionals, meet students who are pursuing the same career path as you, ask industry questions, and learn a few tips and tricks along the way.
Because you obviously need to network at networking events, these events will also give you a chance to practice your communication and speaking skills, which are invaluable skills that today's hiring managers are looking for. Plus, attending a networking event that's related to the industry you're interested in presents a preliminary glimpse of what the environment is like.
For some great networking event tips, check out Forbes' list!
3. Take a Co-op and / or Practicum Program
Co-op and practicum ("work-integrated learning," or WIL) programs are some of the best offerings that post-secondary institutions offer — so take advantage of them while you can! When else can you easily switch jobs within a few months?
While you have access to WIL programs, explore what you like (or don't like), the industries you're interested in, and what kind of working environment you like best. You won't be able to easily switch between jobs without employers having commitment concerns about you once you've graduated.
Plus, there's a chance that your co-op and practicum placements could hire you full-time after your semester ends, so you could already have a job lined up before you officially graduate!
We hope this quick guide helped you realize how you can maximize your time and the plethora of resources you have available while still in school. For more articles like these, check out Sprott Shaw College's collection of stories.
