Besides a degree in Marketing, what other things can I do to make myself more marketable for a job out of college?
I hear a lot of stories of college graduates struggling to find jobs out of college. I want to take extra steps to increase my chances of finding my job out of school. #finance #marketing #resume
7 answers
Crystal’s Answer
Intern, extern, and or volunteer at a marketing firm. Follow the professional accounts of leaders in the field of marketing on social media so you keep up with what's happening in real time. College is a time to grow and explore so it's perfectly normal to change your mind. If you find yourself otherwise interested, try out a few different fields.
in either case, having experiences that allow you to grow are valued in the workforce: participate in a school club or sport, volunteer for a cause that is important to you, intern at an organization in a field you're considering. These kinds of activities can give you experience working in groups, learning to be a team player, and or leading your peers. They also help you to develop expertise in a specific area and have practice developing expertise. (Hint: it's more than memorization.)
Peter J.’s Answer
Some suggestions:
a.) Make sure your credit score is above 700 and doesn't have any delinquent payments. Employers don't want to hire someone with a habit of not paying his/her bills.
b.) Volunteer at organizations well known in your community.
c.) Make sure your wardrobe is modern and your appearance is good (no bloodshot eyes)
d.) Study hiring trends of companies where you want to work. That way, you'll notice more quickly when a position becomes open.
R. Scott’s Answer
Be a leader of an organization, sorority, or other club. Relish making decisions.
Angus’s Answer
Having just had two teenagers go through school and into University, and also as a regular recruiter of young graduates - here's my view. The CV is the critical starting point - the summary page only of a person's experience and life so far - should be short and punchy - but needs to be rich in content beyond just "went to school" or "did a degree"
The kinds of things I look for are membership of clubs and societies, participation in any kind of group teamwork or event, activity or trip, especially where they took leadership or some of responsibility for the event or trip. In the UK, I like seeing things like scouts / guides / Duke of Edinburgh / school trips abroad etc. I also look for things which demonstrate commitment to a skill or cause - ie learning an instrument or contributing regularly to a charity. Even activities like supporting school fund raising events looks better than nothing. Been in a school play? Won an award for a topic? Got language skills? Done anything for a "cause for good" with your parents or on your own? ... then these all count as positives to help you stand out from other applicants.
In college - go for a "leadership" role of a society - don't just join it in freshers week and then give up after a year - commit - get better at the hobby / sport (or whatever) and then ts a great way of getting experience if you then run the club yourself! Looks excellent on a CV.
Travelling suggests an adventurous person (I'm in favour of gap years) - shows independence and strong-willed / strong mind to cope with the pressure of doing that.
Also think about getting "work-experience" - find a way (especially with the support of your school) to get into a real work environment - even just for a week. e.g. if you're into healthcare or medicine, work in a doctors office or a hospital for a week. If you like animals, get a weekend job, or a week's experience in a zoo or a vet!! No brainers! try it out. And it looks great on the CV.
Simeon’s Answer
Gina’s Answer
1. Gain relevant experience: Seek internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities in marketing or finance roles. This hands-on experience will demonstrate your practical skills and understanding of the industry. Look for opportunities to work on real projects, develop campaigns, analyze data, or assist with financial analysis.
2. Develop a strong online presence: Create a professional online presence by building a LinkedIn profile and engaging in industry-related discussions. Share relevant articles, insights, and projects to showcase your knowledge and passion for marketing or finance. Consider creating a personal website or portfolio to showcase your work and achievements.
3. Build a network: Attend industry events, career fairs, and networking sessions to connect with professionals in marketing and finance. Join relevant professional associations or student organizations to expand your network. Networking can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable insights into the industry.
4. Develop technical skills: In addition to your degree, consider acquiring technical skills that are in demand in the marketing or finance field. This could include proficiency in data analysis tools, digital marketing platforms, financial modeling software, or coding languages. These skills can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your ability to adapt to the evolving industry landscape.
5. Obtain certifications: Consider pursuing industry-recognized certifications that are relevant to marketing or finance. For example, in marketing, certifications in Google Analytics, HubSpot, or social media marketing can demonstrate your expertise in specific areas. In finance, certifications such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Financial Risk Manager (FRM) can enhance your credibility.
6. Showcase your achievements: Highlight your accomplishments and projects in marketing or finance on your resume. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to provide concrete evidence of your impact. Include any awards, honors, or leadership roles you have held.
7. Continuously learn and stay updated: Stay informed about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in marketing and finance. Read industry publications, follow thought leaders, and participate in webinars or workshops to stay ahead of the curve.
Remember, finding a job after college can take time and effort. Be proactive, persistent, and open to opportunities. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application, emphasizing the skills and experiences that align with the specific role. With a combination of relevant experience, a strong network, and continuous learning, you can increase your chances of finding a job in marketing or finance.
Miriam Gross
Miriam’s Answer
Get experience. It is worth it to take an unpaid internship, volunteer, or even be in a role where all you feel like you are learning is how to watch people at work to build up your resume. If there aren't internships available where you are, create them; go to companies and volunteer yourself. This is particularly effective if you can say you are taking a course relevant to their industry or marketing that you want to put to use on their company for free.