Young adults go to college for different reasons and in different ways. Some go for social reasons, some to meet their parents’ expectations, others for the challenge, but most students see college as a way to achieve their career goals. They go through college in ways that they believe will help them reach those goals. Importantly, students interested in starting their careers can improve their results by better understanding their target employers, how they think, and what they expect from college graduates.
Wise students understand that they gain employment success, one semester at a time, as they progress through college. They know that good jobs won’t just fall into their hands; therefore, they are willing to work hard and smart.
Employers have needs and expectations for each job opening. To help them choose the best candidates, employers will want to see and hear how well each applicant has performed and what they have accomplished both in and out of the classroom.
Seniors and recent graduates should understand that they will be competing against other qualified candidates. That’s why it’s important for beginning students to develop and pursue an employment plan that provides them with the knowledge, experience, and successes that will interest and impress their target employers.
With that in mind, freshmen and sophomores might think about the following questions:
1. Have you identified your field of interest?
2. Will they put in the time, thought, and research to develop a step-by-step employment plan?
3. Does your plan involve the identification of target jobs and target employers?
4. Have you chosen the best majors, minors, and electives for your job goals?
5. Will they research the needs and expectations of their target employer for jobs that interest them?
6. Will you immediately begin to incorporate those needs and expectations of employers into your activities on and off campus?
7. Does your plan involve getting some job-related work experience before you graduate?
8. Does your plan require you to build relationships with potential referrals in your field of interest? (Professors, Employers, Graduates and Others who work in your field of interest)
9. Does your plan require you to create a list of successes and achievements in your field of interest?
In the job market, average students can often outperform students with better grades by doing the things that allow employers to see their potential. Of course, qualifications are important to employers; But grades are only one aspect of a student’s potential and are not always good predictors of success on the job.
Few jobs require only intellect. Most good jobs require employees to recognize needs, make decisions, take action, get things done, multitask, overcome obstacles, collaborate and build relationships with others, and contribute to the success of the organization. When job seekers can provide stories and examples of their successes and accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom, they will stand out from the competition.
Employers love talking to references who have first-hand knowledge of a student’s attitude, personality, work ethic, experience, knowledge, skills, performance, and achievements. What those references say will always influence the employment decision in one way or another. Therefore, college students must constantly seek ways to demonstrate the desirable performance and outcomes that their target employers want and need.
When it comes to job openings, how students go through college matters. And so, the question is: How will you get through college?