Search Smarter, Not Harder: Back-to-Campus Tips for Student Job Seekers
Welcome to our second issue of Career Compass! The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to help you discover what career paths are out there for you to explore, and what organizations are seeking entry-level talent.?We've rounded up relevant opportunities and advice to help set your job and internship search on the right path.
Before you continue reading, we’d like to invite you to create a profile on RippleMatch so you can kickstart your career search! RippleMatch is changing the way Gen Z finds work by matching candidates with great opportunities based on their passions. It only takes 5 minutes to create your profile — get started here .?
??Your Career Toolkit
Our top advice for tackling your internship and job search challenges
We hope you had a nice summer! Now that you’re back on campus, you’re also likely beginning to think about your job or internship search. Many employers have already opened up their positions for next summer, which means now is the prime time to focus on your job strategies. Need some quick tips? Here are 5 things you can do as you settle into your new class schedule:
1. Revamp your resume and profiles on sites such as LinkedIn & RippleMatch
It sounds simple, but before you even start browsing internship or job opportunities, it’s crucial to ensure that the story you are telling to future employers is up to date. You should be highlighting your recent academic achievements, relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, and any work experience from over the summer.
2. Identify your personal values & career goals to inform your search?
Instead of submitting hundreds of applications right away, take a step back and ensure that the roles you’re applying for align with where you would like to take your career. Make a list of all of the things you value in a company, the kind of work you like to do, and what you might value most in a first job or internship. Not only will this help you while searching for roles, but having a set of identified values will help you while interviewing.
3. Polish your interview skills
Speaking of interviewing, utilize your campus career services for mock interviews, or you can even practice with friends or family. Now is your chance to perfect your elevator pitch, and feel comfortable talking about your accomplishments, challenges, and preferences!
4. Network, network, network
It might not seem like networking, but connecting with your professors, fellow students, and alumni are all great ways to kickstart your job hunt. Connect through your (newly updated) LinkedIn profile, and keep a list of contacts who might be able to help by providing insight about open opportunities, context around certain paths, or guidance on where to upskill to become more hireable.
5. Set clear goals and stay organized
Create a spreadsheet or use a dedicated app to keep track of application deadlines, interview dates, and follow-up actions. Set realistic goals for the number of applications you want to submit each week, and monitor your progress. RippleMatch also has a built-in dashboard that highlights your remaining actions, applications you can submit, and events to RSVP to!
??Find Your Path
Discover career paths with great companies
5 Career Paths for Students Interested in Business
There are so many ways to work in business after college, and you can do so having graduated with a number of different degrees ?Here are a few paths worth your consideration in the business world:
Marketing
While every marketing opportunity is different, some things that you might find yourself working on include understanding customer needs, researching target markets, developing media strategies, creating compelling visuals and copy, utilizing different advertising platforms to execute campaigns, analyzing data to understand the efficacy of campaigns, and managing projects from start to finish. You may also find yourself working cross-functionally with other departments to support their marketing needs.
Check out companies with strong opportunities for marketing students and recent grads here .
Sales
There are sales opportunities for early career talent in nearly every industry, from technology and finance, to healthcare and professional services. From sales representatives and business development roles, a sales professional today understands customers’ needs, develops relationships with customers, and builds rapport for an organization.
Consulting
Jumping into consulting straight out of college is like diving into a non-stop learning adventure. Imagine tackling all sorts of tricky problems, coming up with smart solutions, and building up serious business know-how — all in one go.
If you’re looking for a standout consulting program for early career talent, check out companies like Guidehouse , and The Brattle Group . You can also view more roles in business management and operations here .?
Supply Chain
Entering the supply chain industry after college means diving into the backbone of global commerce. You'll optimize processes, orchestrate seamless logistics, and navigate complex networks to ensure products reach the right place at the right time. It's a fast-paced realm where your efforts behind the scenes drive the efficiency that keeps businesses moving forward.
Be sure to check out leading companies offering roles in supply chain, like Sealed Air and ULINE Inc .
领英推荐
Finance and Accounting
If you’ve got a knack for numbers, a career in accounting or finance is for you. This dynamic and rewarding path offers a wide range of opportunities for individuals with a passion for numbers, analytical thinking, and a desire to make a significant impact on organizations' financial health. Finance professionals evaluate an organization's financial data, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with regulations, while accountants navigate complex tax codes and provide essential financial information for decision-making.?
Check out some of the awesome companies hiring for these finance and accounting roles on RippleMatch: General Mills , CVS Health , EY and more !?
Head over the RippleMatch blog to find even more business opportunities!
??Navigating the News?
The top headlines internship and job seekers should be following
Discover what you really need to break into tech today: Do You Need a Four-Year Degree to Get a Job in Tech? ??
Read about how your generation is crafting their own guidelines around work: ‘Lazy Girl Jobs’ is Gen Z’s Response to Millennial Hustle Culture ??
Find out if employers today are catching onto your workplace preferences:?This is what Gen Z really wants from their internships ??
More career inspiration: Here are the best, fastest-growing jobs for the next decade ??
??Explore: Open Internships, Jobs & Upcoming Events
Explore open internships & jobs on RippleMatch by major!
Click some of these common career paths below to explore the open roles offered by our company partners.?
Finance | Marketing | Computer Science | Data Science | Accounting | Psychology | Education | and more !
Upcoming Career Advice Events hosted by RippleMatch
Navigating Interviews: How to make a Great First Impression and Interview with Confidence
Tuesday, October 3rd, 3 PM ET
This panel featuring recruiters from Target, McMaster-Carr, Travelers, and the Cleveland Guardians is focused on providing guidance on how to best navigate the interview process. Tune in to hear top advice from recruiters who are actively interviewing candidates for their roles! RSVP here .
The Compensation Conversation: What to Expect and How to Navigate It
Wednesday, October 11th, 3pm ET
How can you go into a compensation conversation prepared? How often should you actually try and negotiate? In this panel, we’re bringing together several recruiters to share their perspective on compensation and what student job seekers can expect. They’ll also be sharing their advice for how to assess compensation packages for more than just the monetary amount. RSVP here !
Launching Your Career in Finance & Accounting: What to Know and How To Land a Job or Internship
Wednesday, October 18th, 3pm ET
What does a career in finance or accounting entail? And what do you need to know to land a role? In this panel, we’re bringing together recruiters hiring for finance and accounting roles at top companies. They’ll be sharing their advice and insight for launching your career in this space. RSVP here .
?Quotes to Keep You Going
Inspirational quotes to keep you motivated during your search
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out.” – Robert Collier
Any job, but especially an entry-level role, may come with a set of day-to-day, seemingly mundane tasks. While these tasks can occasionally feel draining, self-help author Robert Collier reminds us that it’s important to remember that those tasks are likely essential to the larger success of an organization. This is also a great quote to keep in mind during your job search – every application, LinkedIn request, or event you attend can add up to landing the right role!
??Career Compass Signing Off
Thanks for reading our Career Compass Newsletter. We’ll be back next month with more career advice for you. In the meantime, make a profile on RippleMatch to kickstart your career discovery and connect with employers ready to hire talent like you. Until next time!?