Summer for uni students - sun, beach, friends, family (plus a course squeezed in for some).
Make the most of this break between classes to develop the key skills and attributes that will increase your edge as a candidate in professional roles.
Are you planning to apply for Graduate Programs at the beginning of your final year? Have you looked into the paid Internships with similar companies for your Penultimate year?
Do you know what these companies are looking for from graduates – and do you already have theses attributes?
Summer break is an incredible opportunity to focus on skill development and networks, here’s how:
1. Start researching the sort of roles/company/industry you would be keen to be involved with upon graduating
2. Identify the skills/attributes/experiences which these companies tend to look for in applications
3. Cross reference time – what can you demonstrate you already have, and what do you have left to develop and gain?
4. Hunt down the sort of opportunity that would allow you to develop these. Where?
a. Industry – paid (internship, placement, part time/casual)
b. Professional roles, not industry (internship, placement, part time/casual)
c. Roles focusing solely on skills & attribute development – (Volunteer/non-for profit/casual work)
5. Search for suitable opportunities: https://www.careerhub.uq.edu.au/docs/138/Job-search-strategies-all-year-levels.pdf
6. Apply for opportunities: https://www.careerhub.uq.edu.au/docs/107/Professional-resume-guide-and-example.pdf
7. Interview and wow the employers away: https://www.careerhub.uq.edu.au/docs/150/Interview-Skills.pdf
8. While in the position, ensure you develop in more areas than just your position description: https://www.careerhub.uq.edu.au/docs/151/Secret-tips-from-recruiters.pdf
9. Take the opportunity to crack into a professional network for more reasons than one: http://www.fastcompany.com/3048911/hit-the-ground-running/5-people-you-should-have-lunch-with-before-your-internship-en
10. Afterwards, reflect on where you have developed and what else you have discovered you could benefit from doing, then start the process all over again!
Work Experience: https://vimeo.com/85992066
Happy job searching for the summer!
UQ Careers