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How do I discover career opportunities as an undergraduate?
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12 answers
Updated
Twilio’s Answer
Talk to people about your interests - they may have ideas for you to explore! I was a senior in college and had no idea what I wanted to do after graduating. I was randomly talking to my friend’s mom about the types of things I was interested in and the types of things I liked & didnt like from school and she recommended a niche career that she thought fit with my interests. I found people on LinkedIn and alumni from a club I was in that were in that career and connected with them to do some informational interview - the more I learned about it the more I was interested in it.
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Tracy’s Answer
Back when I was in college, we had this super helpful Career Guidance department. They used to post job opportunities and organize all kinds of workshops. I'd suggest you check out your school's Career Guidance program - I'd be surprised if they didn't have one. But don't worry if they don't. You can always head over to your local Unemployment Job office. They also post job vacancies and run workshops on career skills and advice. It's a great place to get some guidance.
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Natasha’s Answer
Attend your school's career fair and open yourself up to networking opportunities. Your school might have a networking database that you can join, as well as in person events. Another great way to discover future career opportunities is to do internships over the summer. This will allow you to discover what you like and what you don't like. It also might lead to a future job offer. Stay optimistic throughout the process and know that this is just the beginning for you!
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Harleigh’s Answer
I suggest looking for local career fairs in the city you live in. These are sometimes advertised on LinkedIn or through a quick google search in your area. Going to these types of events exposes you to all sorts of industries and representatives at the company who can tell you specifically what kind of talent they are looking for. It puts a face to your resume, and allows for that human interaction that is missing when you are just browsing the web or submitting resumes into the ether.
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Nicole’s Answer
Hi Edward - This is great question with a lot of different possible paths!
I'd break this into a few different categories:
1. Where to find opportunities:
Student Groups: Being an undergraduate is a great time to start exploring a few different areas because you are already a part of a community doing the same thing. I'd recommend you start by looking for groups that are actively promoting. Some great places to check will be through your school's social media pages and website. Additionally looking at boards in person is another great option. You can find these in coffee shops on or near campus, in the student union buildings, in the halls of your schools. These groups are especially beneficial because they create opportunities for you to network and ask questions to learn more about a lot of different types of careers, topics, etc.
Internships: These are often promoted through different professors and college counselors. It never hurts to ask your professors if they know of any available internships. You can also find internships listed on job sites as well like LinkedIn and Indeed. Lastly, you can often find internship programs by searching at the company directly. For example, if there is a company you are passionate about learning more about or working for, check their website (the bigger the company, the more likely that they will have an internship program that they advertise).
2. How to determine which are the right opportunities for you:
Join as many as possible and use every opportunity to ask questions and learn from those around you. As an example, I entered college thinking that I wanted to be a lawyer, but after two internships I realized that it likely wasn't the right fit for me because the majority of work was spent doing research rather than actually being in trial!
The opportunities are out there, but likely won't fall into your lap. You will have to seek them out and in some cases apply - but what you learn along the way will undoubtedly help you better identify what type of career is right for you. Put in the time to seek out groups and internships because the networking alone might be the path to your first job outside of college. Good luck and have fun!
I'd break this into a few different categories:
1. Where to find opportunities:
Student Groups: Being an undergraduate is a great time to start exploring a few different areas because you are already a part of a community doing the same thing. I'd recommend you start by looking for groups that are actively promoting. Some great places to check will be through your school's social media pages and website. Additionally looking at boards in person is another great option. You can find these in coffee shops on or near campus, in the student union buildings, in the halls of your schools. These groups are especially beneficial because they create opportunities for you to network and ask questions to learn more about a lot of different types of careers, topics, etc.
Internships: These are often promoted through different professors and college counselors. It never hurts to ask your professors if they know of any available internships. You can also find internships listed on job sites as well like LinkedIn and Indeed. Lastly, you can often find internship programs by searching at the company directly. For example, if there is a company you are passionate about learning more about or working for, check their website (the bigger the company, the more likely that they will have an internship program that they advertise).
2. How to determine which are the right opportunities for you:
Join as many as possible and use every opportunity to ask questions and learn from those around you. As an example, I entered college thinking that I wanted to be a lawyer, but after two internships I realized that it likely wasn't the right fit for me because the majority of work was spent doing research rather than actually being in trial!
The opportunities are out there, but likely won't fall into your lap. You will have to seek them out and in some cases apply - but what you learn along the way will undoubtedly help you better identify what type of career is right for you. Put in the time to seek out groups and internships because the networking alone might be the path to your first job outside of college. Good luck and have fun!
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Udokaku’s Answer
One of my best personal advice from me to me, is to seek opportunities that allows you explore the things you are deeply interested in, then join communities both internal and external communities within your university. These communities will give you access to more knowledge and resources to help you streamline and guide your decisions. As an undergraduate, this is an opportunity to learn, connect and grow in your areas of interests and as time goes on, you will evolve, refine your processes and make better decisions. Remember, it is a process and not a destination.
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Clara’s Answer
Identify what you love doing or where you envision yourself excelling and making a difference. Don't hesitate to seek advice from your teachers and those you respect in your community. Keep an eye out for career fairs that align with your chosen path. They can provide great opportunities and open doors for you.
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Zach’s Answer
Summer internships! This is one of the first chances undergrads have to learn about all the jobs that exist inside companies and organizations, learn what interests them, and build relationships with people inside those careers who will help/hire you after graduation. It's so hard to understand ALL the jobs that exist today- things I never knew existed in high school and college- so you have to dive in and apprentice/intern. These programs are also highly effective at helping undergrands land jobs after graduation- companies invest in internship programs so they can find candidates for entry level roles who already know the company and they know are good employees. Even if the company doesn't hire you, you'll make friends
with established folks in your field who can help you navigate looking for a career.
If you can't do summer internships- used LinkedIn to look for entry-level jobs that have "associate" or "specialist" in the title, or "Business Development Represent (BDR)" or Sales Development Representative (SDR)"- these are great entry level jobs in business. For other industries- use Linkedin or ask friends or teachers for relevant contacts and set up 30 minute Zoom chats to ask questions and make those same relationships and ask for guidance and for them to keep an eye out for opportunities.
Moral of the story- everyone is willing to help you find career opportunities- you just have to put in the effort and find the right people to ask!
with established folks in your field who can help you navigate looking for a career.
If you can't do summer internships- used LinkedIn to look for entry-level jobs that have "associate" or "specialist" in the title, or "Business Development Represent (BDR)" or Sales Development Representative (SDR)"- these are great entry level jobs in business. For other industries- use Linkedin or ask friends or teachers for relevant contacts and set up 30 minute Zoom chats to ask questions and make those same relationships and ask for guidance and for them to keep an eye out for opportunities.
Moral of the story- everyone is willing to help you find career opportunities- you just have to put in the effort and find the right people to ask!
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Twilio’s Answer
You can start by tapping into your university's career services and attending job fairs. Utilize online job boards and LinkedIn to search for internships and entry-level positions. Network with professors, alumni, and professionals in your field of interest for advice and job leads. Participating in clubs and organizations related to your major to build relationships and develop relevant skills. Remember, internships and volunteer work can be a gateway to full-time positions, so pursue experiences that align with your career goals.
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Twilio’s Answer
Connect with and talk to your fellow students, especially seniors and teachers.
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Twilio’s Answer
Never underestimate the power of internships. They are a powerful way to identify career opportunities while an undergraduate. The internship I had during my junior and senior year of college actually ended up offering me a full-time job before I graduated. Use your internship courses in undergrad as an opportunity to work at companies you feel align with your degree and career goals. It’s important that while in those internships you use them as an opportunity to network and shadow those who reflect where you’d like to be in your career. Connecting with those people will help open doors for you that you otherwise may not have access to when graduating without experience.
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Twilio’s Answer
Go to your college career fairs - these are a huge step in the door! Networking with companies that take the time to have a booth at the college career fair is powerful. Utilize the site Handshake if your university offers it. In addition, college career counselors want to help YOU - schedule a session to have them help you build your resume. I highly suggest doing internships / volunteering in the lab / or doing work study type of work at your university to gain work experience.