In today’s competitive job market, preparing for your career while attending school is more crucial than ever. With insight from Sr. Associate Director Alexandra Anderson from SU’s Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD), The Megaphone dove into discussing essential strategies students can use to navigate their career paths successfully, including key steps, resources, and advice for students looking to kickstart their careers.
Tailoring Career Preparation to Your Major & Career Goals
Southwestern University offers various majors, allowing students to explore different career paths. Regardless of the field of study, students must take the necessary steps to align their academic journey with their career goals. Alexandra Anderson emphasized the importance of hands-on experiences like internships, volunteer work, and student leadership roles. “Nationwide, most students graduate with at least one internship, which serves as part of your proven track record of success,” she explains.
For students pursuing professional fields like healthcare, there are often specific prerequisite experiences needed to be a competitive applicant for graduate school. Anderson notes, “In some fields–like healthcare–there are numerous pre-requisite experiences…In others, like law, there are not. Consulting with a career advisor early on is the best way to find out what steps you might need to take before you get behind your ideal timeline.” Whether students are majoring in education or the liberal arts, pairing in-class learning with real-world skill-building is key to post-graduation success.
Utilizing Career Office Resources & Support
The career office at Southwestern offers a range of services designed to help students define their career goals and create actionable plans. One key resource is the TypeFocus Careers self-assessment tool, which the CCPD provides to help students get started with figuring out “who you are, what makes you tick, and what academic and career pursuits fit your personality, interests, values, and skills.” Students also have access to networking opportunities, including alumni events and Career Treks, which allow students to meet professionals and observe different industries.
Personalized advising sessions are another crucial resource, enabling students to work one-on-one with career advisors to tailor their plans based on individual goals and timelines. The sooner students take advantage of these resources, the better equipped they will be to achieve their career aspirations.
Building Your Professional Network and Experience
Building a strong professional network and gaining relevant experience are essential for career success. Anderson recommends that students approach professional development like an academic course. “I highly recommend treating your long-term professional development like an extra class, or a part-time job,” she says. Devoting time each semester to career-related activities—such as attending networking events and career advising sessions—will help students balance these efforts with their academic responsibilities.
By starting early, students can develop relationships with mentors and career champions, allowing them to gain the marketable experiences they need. “Starting early gives you the best opportunity to fit it all in—to grow your network of career champions and to gain the marketable experiences you need,” Anderson emphasizes.
Overcoming Uncertainty and Overwhelm in Career Planning
It’s normal for students to feel unsure or overwhelmed when thinking about their future careers. The career office is here to help. “Feeling unsure is completely normal and appropriate developmentally,” Anderson reassured students.
The career office also works closely with other campus resources, including the Counseling Center and academic advisors, to provide support. This network of resources ensures that students have the guidance they need to manage stress while staying on track with their career planning.
Enhancing Job Search and Interview Skills
To help students prepare for the job market, the career office offers a variety of programs and workshops. One standout event is the SOAR Summit, which “offers sophomores an immersive, two-day professional development conference to kick start their career exploration and pursuit of skill-building experiences.” The event includes workshops on job search strategies and interview skills, with guidance from employers and alumni.
The career office also partners with student organizations to offer workshops on tailored topics, including job searching and interviewing. These events provide valuable opportunities for students to practice and refine their skills before entering the job market.
Showcasing Southwestern Education and Experiences
Studying at Southwestern provides students with key career-readiness skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership, which are highly valued by employers. However, as Anderson points out, “The key to success is not only acquiring those marketable skills…but then to articulate them effectively to employers and grad schools.”
To practice articulating their strengths and experiences, students are encouraged to participate in alumni panels, academic conferences, and on-campus workshops. These opportunities allow students to refine their communication skills and confidently showcase the value of their Southwestern education when pursuing competitive industries.
Takeaways
Preparing for a successful career begins long before graduation. By taking advantage of the resources offered by the career office, building professional networks, and gaining valuable experience, Southwestern students can set themselves up for post-graduation success. As Anderson advises, “Just start! Set up an appointment at CCPD to start talking about your own unique needs.” Whether you’re just beginning your career journey or looking to refine your path, Southwestern’s career office is ready to help you every step of the way.