With so many graduates scrambling for the few job opportunities, you need to find ways to add weight to your CV. A university qualification can only get you so far. Thinking ahead and preparing for your career while you’re still at the university is a pretty great way to go about it. Here are a few things you can do now that will wow future employers:
Join Clubs and Societies
There are hundreds of clubs and societies at every university that students can be part of. This can be anything from the regular sports club to more unusual options like the ones listed here. Taking a more active role within the club/society is an added advantage as it shows that you can handle multiple commitments at once. Serving as president, treasurer, or any other leadership roles shows future employers that you have leadership skills. Be sure to highlight your achievements during your term.
Participate In Volunteer Work
On top of being such a rewarding experience, volunteering is another great way to boost your CV. It allows you to gain important experience. But even if it’s unrelated to your dream job, it still demonstrates your commitment to a good cause and your excellent time-management skills. The good news is finding volunteering opportunities is quite easy. You can look within the university, in your local area, or try searching online.
Learn a New Skill
Students need both technical and soft skills to survive in the workplace. So, make the most out of your time at the university to learn a useful skill(s) that will look good on your CV. You can sign up for a language course, learn how to code, become an expert in programming, learn how to design software like Photoshop, and much more. You can get such courses at the university at a cheaper cost, or tap into free online resources and learn something new. Be sure to take an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) to ensure you end up with the right set of skills required by the industry you want to work in. That being said, what is an NVQ?
Get Some Work Experience
Today’s employers are looking for experienced candidates, even for entry-level positions. This leaves graduates in a bit of a dilemma considering most of them have little to no working experience. You can improve your employability by getting some work experience through internships or part-time jobs. It’s advisable to find something that fits around your degree. But even if the jobs are not related to your field of study, they still provide a good opportunity to acquire some transferable skills such as effective communication, teamwork, time management, and the ability to work under pressure. Having previous employment, even if it’s not related to your career path, also shows some level of commitment and that you’re capable of juggling different things at once –work and studies.
Travel during Breaks
This may not seem like an obvious choice, but travelling makes you more employable in several ways. For starters, it opens you up to different cultures. As companies try to serve diverse cultures, both locally and internationally, they are searching for employees who can relate to people from different backgrounds and cultures. Travelling also allows you to acquire skills like adaptability, cross-cultural communication, resilience, and much more.
Can you think of any other ways to set yourself apart from other job applicants?
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