3 answers
Caleb
Student
Burnsville, Minnesota
2
Questions
Asked
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How do you best optimize your opportunities to secure internships and eventually a corporate job in your desired field?
I am going to be an accounting major and am very interested in how I can best optimize my Oppurtunites to secure a job when I am in college.
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3 answers
Allison Nixon
Social Impact
8
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Allison’s Answer
Hi Caleb! You're on the right track by focusing on getting as much "real world" business experience as you can, alongside your degree. While your degree gives you a solid base of knowledge, hands-on experience shows employers that you know how to use it. One great way to dive into this is by participating in case competitions. These events let you tackle real business challenges with a team, create solutions, pitch them to judges, and receive valuable feedback. It's a fantastic way to understand what works in the business world.
Also, check if your college offers on-campus internships. Some schools partner with businesses to give students a chance to work on real projects for course credit. These internships often have fewer requirements than traditional ones, making them a great option early in your studies.
Alongside gaining experience, start building your network. The best time to network is before you need it. Attend job fairs, explore LinkedIn, and set up coffee chats with professionals in roles that interest you. Focus on learning and making genuine connections. Remember to send thank-you notes to those who share their time and insights with you. This approach will give you a deeper understanding of your field, potential employers, and the roles you might want to pursue. It will also help you speak confidently about the industry when applying for internships, and having connections at a company is always a plus!
Lastly, don't forget to connect with your school's career center. They offer events and resources that can further prepare you for your future career. Keep pushing forward, and you'll be well-prepared for whatever comes your way!
Also, check if your college offers on-campus internships. Some schools partner with businesses to give students a chance to work on real projects for course credit. These internships often have fewer requirements than traditional ones, making them a great option early in your studies.
Alongside gaining experience, start building your network. The best time to network is before you need it. Attend job fairs, explore LinkedIn, and set up coffee chats with professionals in roles that interest you. Focus on learning and making genuine connections. Remember to send thank-you notes to those who share their time and insights with you. This approach will give you a deeper understanding of your field, potential employers, and the roles you might want to pursue. It will also help you speak confidently about the industry when applying for internships, and having connections at a company is always a plus!
Lastly, don't forget to connect with your school's career center. They offer events and resources that can further prepare you for your future career. Keep pushing forward, and you'll be well-prepared for whatever comes your way!
Sneha Deb
Tech Consultant
194
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hey Caleb! That’s a great mindset to have going into college, being intentional early can really set you apart. Start by getting involved with student organizations like an accounting or business club, which can connect you with recruiters and alumni. Build relationships with your professors and career center staff, they often hear about internship opportunities before they’re widely posted. Keep your resume and LinkedIn profile updated, and don’t be afraid to apply early and often to internships, even after your first year. Most importantly, aim to learn and grow in every experience, even if it’s not your “dream” role, each step builds the skills and network that will lead to that corporate job. Good luck!
Rachel Smith
Technical Skills Consultant
13
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hey Caleb! Love that you are thinking about this early. Truthfully, there is no 100% guaranteed path you can take to ensure you will land a job- I wish that was the case! However, there are things within your control that I would do early and often to ensure you increase your likelihood of landing that great accounting job post-grad!
1. Focus on your grades. Your GPA does matter, especially if you are going for your CPA (which I would highly recommend! It would increase your chances of getting a job post-college substantially- I would say close to almost 100% chance of getting an offer if you apply and are diligent). Attend office hours, build meaningful and real connections with your professors, and ASK THEM what you should be doing to ensure you are set up to land internships and a job post-grad. They have great insights and would love to help- thats why they teach!
2. Join clubs, organizations, and networking groups around your degree/business school. It is so important to surround yourself with high-achieveing individuals who are looking to accomplish the same things you are. Make that a priority, work together, and you can achieve great things.
3. Attend Career Fairs early and often! Ask someone to help you with your resume (most colleges have a job center of some sort and can support this), make copies and start introducing yourself. Most companies do not hire interns until they are sophomores, but it is always a great idea to go early to familiarize yourself with the process, shake off nerves, and practice your elevator pitch.
4. Get a mentor. Find someone who is a couple years ahead of you in your degree, someone in the field already, or a professor you connect with and ask them to be a mentor to you. They can help you go far, fast.
Best of luck! I am confident you will do great things.
1. Focus on your grades. Your GPA does matter, especially if you are going for your CPA (which I would highly recommend! It would increase your chances of getting a job post-college substantially- I would say close to almost 100% chance of getting an offer if you apply and are diligent). Attend office hours, build meaningful and real connections with your professors, and ASK THEM what you should be doing to ensure you are set up to land internships and a job post-grad. They have great insights and would love to help- thats why they teach!
2. Join clubs, organizations, and networking groups around your degree/business school. It is so important to surround yourself with high-achieveing individuals who are looking to accomplish the same things you are. Make that a priority, work together, and you can achieve great things.
3. Attend Career Fairs early and often! Ask someone to help you with your resume (most colleges have a job center of some sort and can support this), make copies and start introducing yourself. Most companies do not hire interns until they are sophomores, but it is always a great idea to go early to familiarize yourself with the process, shake off nerves, and practice your elevator pitch.
4. Get a mentor. Find someone who is a couple years ahead of you in your degree, someone in the field already, or a professor you connect with and ask them to be a mentor to you. They can help you go far, fast.
Best of luck! I am confident you will do great things.