Featured Article
I Need a Job Before Graduation - Making the Most of Your Last Months at Cal
February 29, 2008
Spring Break is coming soon and before you
know it, you'll be a brand new college graduate. With congratulations comes the inevitable three letters: J-O-B.
Not sure where to start? Here are some tips to maximize your
remaining months as a Cal student and make the most of Spring Break.
Make an appointment with a career counselor to figure out your
search strategy.
Career counselors are here to assist you with every step of the job
search process, including helping you decide what you'd like to do after
graduation, exploring career fields,
and discussing what job search strategies and resources are best for
you. Making an appointment with a career counselor is now easier than
ever with our new system that allows you to
schedule an appointment online, 24/7.
Do your research using the Vault and Wetfeet Guides, Info Lab, and Internet.
After deciding what you would like to do, you'll also need to think
about who you want to work for and where you want to work. With finals
fast approaching, it makes sense to utilize your time to the fullest
by focusing on companies that really interest you. To develop a list
of target companies, browse through our free, downloadable Vault
Guides of top employers in a variety of industries. Look through
our Books of Lists and JobBank books in the Info
Lab to locate top companies in the areas that interest you.
Are you attracted to smaller companies? Check out the "Build
a list" feature on Hoovers.com (the
subscription can be accessed from anywhere on campus), CareerSearch;
or do a Google or Open
Directory Project search by career field and location and carefully assess your goals along the way.
Get your resume and cover letters critiqued at a 15-minute mini-appointment.
Career Counselors and peer advisors are available to critique your resume
and cover letter every day of the week in a variety of locations
during 15 minute mini-appointments
and drop-in sessions.
Make connections on-campus in person. Plan to attend the Just in Time Job Fair, April 23-24, 2008.
Networking is often the single most
effective job search strategy and there are still many ways to make
connections while still at Cal. The Just in Time Job Fair, our last
fair of the year, sells out annually with over 150 employers coming to meet potential candidates over two days (April 23-24), many still actively
recruiting May grads.
Also, be sure to view our Events
Calendar to stay up to date about other career related events
that are happening on campus.
Make even more connections off-campus by utilizing the @cal Career Network. Schedule Spring Break information interviews now.
Login to the @cal Career Network to
view a directory of alumni who have volunteered to give career advice to Cal students
based on their experiences. Set up a meeting with
them in person or on the phone (this is what's called an informational
interview). Also, check out networking websites such as LinkedIn,
Ryze, and Alumwire
which are designed to help you develop your professional network further.
Check out CalJobs and other job listing sites
CalJobs currently has over 3,800 listings
that are often posted exclusively for Cal students.
* * *
The key to a successful job search is using a diversified approach
(making connections, using CalJobs, targeting your own companies, etc.)
and being proactive - taking the initiative to find job opportunities.
Make it a point to let people know you are currently looking for a job,
and follow up with contacts you are really excited about. Remember,
the Career Center is here to help you, so make an appointment if you
are feeling stuck at any point in your search.
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