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Chrisn
Student
Toledo, Ohio
1
Question
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As a first-generation college student balancing academics, athletics, and financial challenges, what are some effective ways I can build a strong professional network and gain career experience while still in school” ?
Sophomore in college
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3 answers
Sandra Bakiera
Insights Analyst
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New Braunfels, Texas
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
The best advice I can offer is to set up a LinkedIn profile and begin growing your network. Seek out people who are in the jobs you dream of having one day. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but remember, many people love to help others and share their stories. Don't hesitate to ask them about their career path, the skills they think are important, the biggest challenges they've overcome, and who else they think you should connect with. Building a strong network takes time, but it's a powerful asset no matter where you are in your career. You've got this!
Thank you!
Chrisn
Amanda Julian
12
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Amanda’s Answer
Balancing academics, athletics, and financial challenges is impressive! Here are some effective ways to build a strong professional network and gain career experience while still in school:
Building a Professional Network
Join Student Organizations: Participate in clubs and organizations related to your field of interest. These groups often host networking events and guest speakers.
Attend Career Fairs: Make the most of career fairs and networking events hosted by your school. These are great opportunities to meet potential employers and industry professionals.
Leverage Social Media: Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals, alumni, and classmates. Engage with their posts, join relevant groups, and reach out for informational interviews.
Seek Mentorship: Find mentors among your professors, coaches, and industry professionals. They can provide guidance, support, and valuable connections.
Volunteer: Volunteer for events and organizations related to your career interests. Volunteering can help you meet people in your field and demonstrate your commitment.
Gaining Career Experience
Internships: Apply for internships in your field of study. Internships provide hands-on experience and can lead to job offers after graduation.
Part-Time Jobs: Look for part-time positions that align with your career goals. Even if the job isn't directly related, skills like teamwork, communication, and time management are valuable.
Research Projects: Get involved in research projects or assistantships with your professors. This can enhance your resume and provide practical experience.
Freelance Work: Offer freelance services in your area of expertise. This can help you build a portfolio and gain real-world experience.
Campus Resources: Utilize your school's career center for resume reviews, mock interviews, and job search assistance.
Balancing Responsibilities
Time Management: Create a detailed schedule that includes time for academics, athletics, work, and networking activities. Prioritize tasks and set realistic goals.
Communicate: Inform your professors and coaches about your commitments. They may offer flexibility and support.
Self-Care: Prioritize your health and well-being. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep are crucial for maintaining energy and focus.
Leveraging Your Unique Position
Highlight Your Story: Emphasize your journey as a first-generation college student and athlete in your resume and interviews. Your unique experiences can set you apart.
Build Relationships: Foster strong relationships with classmates, professors, and coaches. These connections can provide support and opportunities.
Balancing these responsibilities is challenging, but with determination and strategic planning, you can build a strong network and gain valuable career experience
Building a Professional Network
Join Student Organizations: Participate in clubs and organizations related to your field of interest. These groups often host networking events and guest speakers.
Attend Career Fairs: Make the most of career fairs and networking events hosted by your school. These are great opportunities to meet potential employers and industry professionals.
Leverage Social Media: Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals, alumni, and classmates. Engage with their posts, join relevant groups, and reach out for informational interviews.
Seek Mentorship: Find mentors among your professors, coaches, and industry professionals. They can provide guidance, support, and valuable connections.
Volunteer: Volunteer for events and organizations related to your career interests. Volunteering can help you meet people in your field and demonstrate your commitment.
Gaining Career Experience
Internships: Apply for internships in your field of study. Internships provide hands-on experience and can lead to job offers after graduation.
Part-Time Jobs: Look for part-time positions that align with your career goals. Even if the job isn't directly related, skills like teamwork, communication, and time management are valuable.
Research Projects: Get involved in research projects or assistantships with your professors. This can enhance your resume and provide practical experience.
Freelance Work: Offer freelance services in your area of expertise. This can help you build a portfolio and gain real-world experience.
Campus Resources: Utilize your school's career center for resume reviews, mock interviews, and job search assistance.
Balancing Responsibilities
Time Management: Create a detailed schedule that includes time for academics, athletics, work, and networking activities. Prioritize tasks and set realistic goals.
Communicate: Inform your professors and coaches about your commitments. They may offer flexibility and support.
Self-Care: Prioritize your health and well-being. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep are crucial for maintaining energy and focus.
Leveraging Your Unique Position
Highlight Your Story: Emphasize your journey as a first-generation college student and athlete in your resume and interviews. Your unique experiences can set you apart.
Build Relationships: Foster strong relationships with classmates, professors, and coaches. These connections can provide support and opportunities.
Balancing these responsibilities is challenging, but with determination and strategic planning, you can build a strong network and gain valuable career experience
Susan Wells
Consulting Services -- for Workforce & Talent
1
Answer
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Updated
Susan’s Answer
Give that you are balancing all those activities, academics and financials, my advise it to take advantage of summer internship opportunities. That is a great way to get experience and make connections. And, often if it's a good fit it can lead to post graduation offers. If you don't have time to dedicate to that in the summer, I do think that as you get closer to graduation that you might want to give up an extra-curricular and focus on an internship, job shadowing, opportunity, etc. Keeping up your current activities will become less important (because you have established that ... and the real world connections are truly key. With your situation, it will be very logical for potential employers, networkers to understand the shift in focus (and actually that is a great way to actually have the conversation you want to have "I've made it here because" without bringing it forward yourself). Good luck.