Summer is upon us and tests, papers, and reading are behind us. Whether you’re starting your Jeff Metcalf internship, beginning your BA research, or relaxing at home, you may be starting to consider where your life will take you after you leave UChicago – or maybe even be looking for something to do this summer. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to searching for a meaningful and rewarding full-time job, research opportunity, externship, internship, or volunteer experience.
1) Know yourself
The most important part of figuring out what you want to do after college is getting to know yourself. Who are you? What are your strengths? What do you like? Don’t hesitate to talk to family, friends, and mentors about what they perceive your skillset and strengths to be. Consider what makes you happy and where your values lie in terms of work.
2) Explore and learn
Once you’ve narrowed your options, start reviewing some resources and tools that will help you make decisions about what kinds of opportunities you want to and will be able to explore. You can review the Career Advancement homepage, set up an appointment at Career Advancement to discuss your options and exploration with a counselor, conduct informational interviews with alumni, and research industry trends. The possibilities are endless!
3) Prepare
Now that you have some idea of what of what kind of job function you see yourself fitting into, or maybe the kind of company you’d like to join, you need to begin preparing yourself to develop a strong application package. Use Career Advancement’s workshops on resumes and cover letters to your advantage. If you haven’t done so already, activate your CCC account. Set up a practice interview with Career Advancement. Join RSOs or volunteer with organizations that will help you develop applicable skills that employers desire in candidates. You have so many wonderful resources available to you here at UChicago, so don’t let them get to waste!
4) Complete the package
Now, make sure you have developed a list of opportunities that you would like to apply to and gather your materials to submit them. Keep track of opportunities and deadlines with a timeline and schedule that will help you prioritize your submissions and where you concentrate your job search energy. Review and research companies using their websites and other online resources, and have your application materials reviewed at Career Advancement. Now submit your materials, and wait for the good news!
5) Review and Assess
If you aren’t hearing back, it’s A-Okay to go back a step or two, or to start over. If you are comparing offers, Career Advancement counselors can help you think about the implications. Also, stay tuned for an upcoming blog post about reviewing and assessing job offers. Once you’ve accepted an offer, think about how to make the most out of your experience and opportunity. Congratulations!
UChicago Career Advancement 